For Walter and all. IF your family left Ireland AFTER the 1840s the new Irish railways may have affected their lives - they may have started on the emigration trail by rail or even worked on them. I have some railway info. My husband (a railway keeny) has just bought "Johnson's Atlas and Gazetter of the Railways of Ireland" by Stephen Johnson, ISBN 1-85780-044-3. It gives fine detail of when every line and station was opened, routes etc. If you have a reference to a railway or station in your family history notes, I offer to look up more specific details for you if you email me directly at [email protected] eg - a brief overview: Dublin Heuston (Kingsbridge) opened 1846 - line through to "Limerick Junction" (which is in Tipperary) 1848 - onwards to Cork 1849. Limerick City via Patrickswell, Adare to Ballingrane (Rathkeale) 1856. Ballingrane to Foynes via Askeaton 1857/58. Ballingrane (Rathkeale) to Tralee 1880. For Walter especially - Tralee to Dingle via Blennerville (Co. Kerry) opened 1891, closed 1953. Tralee to Blennerville section reopened as a tourist railway in 1993. Walter's recent description of the restoration of the mill at Blennerville is pleasing to hear of. Ireland has an enormous wealth of history, and it's always good to hear of preservation progress in areas which have a personal connection. At one time, I understand, my grandfather would have an annual wagon load of coal for the farm delivered by train to Adare, from where he would have to go and collect it and transport it home. Adare station is closed, it's now a private house. The old Rathkeale station is now the fascinating Irish Palatine Museum and resource centre. Di Mitchell [email protected]