Irish Railways.

Between the years of 1884 and 1947 a hydroelectric tramway carrying passengers and freight operated between Bessbrook and Newry, it was the first such tramway in the world. One of the locomotives is preserved in The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum at Cultra Co Down, a brake van is used in a local convent as a summer house.

Several cities in Ireland used trams to transport passengers within the city centre's, while strictly speaking not railways they nonetheless deserve a mention if only for the fact that they ran on rails. The tram system in Belfast ceased to operate in the 1950's when they were replaced with electric trolley buses, powered by the trams overhead electric cables. If it becomes possible to produce electricity by some other means than burning fossil fuels, the return of the trolley bus might be a viable solution for inner city transport.

Preservation Societies.

There are several railway preservation societies in Ireland one of these is situated at Downpatrick Co Down in the former station.

See also the chronology of Irish Railways.