We were delighted to welcome our newest  rolling stock to the Connemara Railway Project last Friday! Our new arrival is hugely significant in it is the first Irish Standard Gauge (5’3″ or 1600mm ) self propelled vehicle which is fully operational – and ready to roll! In the new year we plan to replace our 3′ gauge running line with full size track – to accommodate our new train.

Our new railcar was built by GEC Alsthom in Spain and introduced to service in Ireland as one of the 2700 class fleet in 1999 and withdrawn from service in 2012, and stored safely at Cork locomotive shed until it was moved to Dublin a couple of weeks ago and then transported by specialist UK logistics company Railway Support Services ( to whom we are very grateful!). When in service they were nicknamed Spanish Arrows  – or Sparrows!

After unloading at Maam Cross – our railcar was briefly tested, thus becoming the first full size train to run in Connemara – since closure of the line in 1935  – 90 years ago!!