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About
Come down and see the home of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) and its locomotives.
This fascinating five-gallery museum provides an exciting opportunity to rub shoulders with the giants of steam. You can step onto the footplate of a heritage steam engine and learn how it works, walk through several historic carriages and observe from a viewing gallery as restoration work takes place on locomotives and coaches. The museum is the perfect place to hear entertaining stories about the railways of yesteryear and to learn about how the railway companies transformed society more than 100 years ago.
On selected summer Saturdays you can enjoy steam train rides at Whitehead Railway Museum between 11am and 2.30pm. The train runs a short but nostalgic trip up and down the track that gives you a chance to have a quick sample of the steam train era. Check the website at www.steamtrainsireland.com for dates.
Located on the Causeway Coastal Route, in the seaside town of Whitehead, the museum is just 40 minutes from Belfast and 20 minutes from Larne. But why not make it a “rail” day out and travel there by train? That means you can enjoy the views as the train travels along the coastline. Whitehead NIR station is a short 10 minute walk from the museum.
The Museum is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 2:30pm (last entry). They offer guided tours at 10.30am, 12 midday and 2pm (times may vary depending on volunteer availability). You can also self-guide.
Tickets are available online or in person at Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, or you can turn up and buy them over the counter at Cups & Carriages Café in the Station Building on the platform.
Audio Tour: Bring along your own headphones and smart phone and you can enjoy a brilliant audio tour.
Video Tour: Click here to view a short video all about Whitehead Railway Museum
Food and Drink: Their café Cups & Carriages creates the atmosphere of a traditional railway refreshment room – think of the “Brief Encounter” film. Cups & Carriages is open Thursday through to Saturday, 10am to 3pm. Something to suit all tastes from morning coffee to a freshly cooked lunch and afternoon tea.
Facilities Toilets are available throughout the site.
Accessibility Guide
The Museum is fully accessible with lifts and wheelchair accessible toilets. Their pre-visit accessibility guide will prove helpful: https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/storage/museum/guide_wrm.pdf
If you need any extra help on your tour please don’t hesitate to contact one of the guides.
