Whitehead Railway Museum

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

Did you know that our GSWR carriage No. 861 is the longest wooden body carriage in Ireland measuring 20.1m (66ft). She is also the last surviving twelve wheeled brake tri-composite carriage, as well as having a first, second and third class accommodation.

Her other claim to fame is that she was the last gas lit carriage until her end of active service in the 1980s.

Currently undergoing restoration in our carriage shed at Whitehead Railway Museum

28/05/2026

Watch: RPSI volunteer fireman Matthew explains the careful balance involved in getting steam engines ready to operate train rides at Whitehead. Story in comments:

28/05/2026

We are so happy to announce that as part of our "Voices of the Homefront" event on the 4th July, the amazingly talented The Swingtime Starlets will be performing at the event!

Book your tickets now and join us for a fantastic trip in time bringing the sights, sounds and spirit of wartime to life at Whitehead Railway Museum.

https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/whats-on/95/home-front

27/05/2026

🎉Summer Craft Festival🎉

Join us at the Whitehead Railway Museum Summer Craft Fair, a vibrant celebration of creativity, heritage and community set within the unique surroundings of our historic railway site.

Throughout the event, the museum platform will be filled with a wide variety of stalls showcasing handcrafted goods from talented crafters, artists and heritage skill makers. Visitors can browse and buy unique, locally made items while enjoying the atmosphere of a heritage railway.

In addition to the craft stalls, guests will have full access to our five-gallery museum, where the rich story of railway history is brought to life through fascinating exhibits, artefacts and restored railway heritage displays.

There will be opportunity to enjoy a short steam train ride within the museum grounds, offering a nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages as the locomotive travels along our heritage line.

Our on-site tearoom will also be open, serving refreshments, light meals and sweet treats throughout the day.

This family-friendly event offers a wonderful mix of shopping, history and hands-on heritage experiences, making it a must-visit summer event for all ages.

Book now:
https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/whats-on/109/craft-fair

26/05/2026

Whitehead Railway Museum is once again proud to be involved in the annual Industrial Heritage Week (IHW) which is being run by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council.

This year’s IHW runs from June 1 to June 6. WRM’s entry is entitled “Raising Steam at Whitehead”.

The five-minute video features RPSI volunteer fireman Matthew who explains the procedure involved in getting 3BG Guinness ready to operate train rides at Whitehead. Matthew tells how a careful balance has to be struck between ensuring that the locomotive has sufficient steam pressure to start the train while making sure that the water level in the boiler is neither too low or too high.

Whitehead Railway Museum is once again centrally involved in the annual Industrial Heritage Week (IHW) which is being run by Mid & East Antrim Borough Counci...

25/05/2026

Lifting the boiler of 131 with our Cowans Sheldon 30-ton overhead crane so that we can replace the A frame that it rests on and to allow access to the wash out plug holes.

24/05/2026

The battle continues to remove decades of grime, rust and soot from the awkward H spoke wheels of the tender for engine No.184.

However progress is steady especially with the return of John from holiday, lending an extra pair of hands. The work is tough going but the results speak for themselves! Here's a nice shot of a cleaned up wheel getting its weather-proof paint from Gill.

Amazing work everyone. Thank you!

23/05/2026

Out with our amazing site squad doing a track inspection for today's festivities!

Special thanks to Dermot, Peter and David for everything they do to keep our tracks running smoothly and safely.

22/05/2026

Did you know that today’s Enterprise Belfast – Dublin Express train was inaugurated on 11th August 1947 and initially ran with No.85 Merlin hauling the trains alongside her 4 sister engines?

These V Class engines were all named after birds of prey, with her sisters being:
Eagle (83), Falcon (84), Peregrine (86), and Kestrel (87)

21/05/2026

🚨LAST CHANCE🚨
Book your tickets now for our DIESEL DAY at Whitehead Railway Museum 🚆

Featuring Locomotive B142 Celebrate the sights, sounds and sheer power of heritage diesel this 23rd May at Whitehead Railway Museum!

Join us for a thrilling Diesel Day as we showcase our very own locomotive B142, now with a special May Day discounted rate for all standard tickets.

This is your chance to experience the unmistakable growl of a working diesel up close, explore our historic sheds and enjoy a vibrant day of railway heritage brought to life by our passionate team.

🎟️Standard Ticket Experience Enjoy a fantastic day out with:
A short carriage ride hauled by B142 within our premises
Full access to Whitehead Railway Museum
A special May Bank Holiday reduced ticket price
Adult £6
Child £4
Under 3’s FREE

🔥Special Footplate Experience🔥 – Limited Places Take your visit to the next level with an unforgettable footplate experience aboard B142. With limited spaces available, this is a rare opportunity to step into the heart of the action.
Your Footplate Experience includes: ·
A footplate ride on B142
An engaging history talk from our Diesel Officer
Full access to the museum
Complimentary tea/coffee and traybake
£30 per person (18+ only)

Whether you're a lifelong railway enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting and unique day out this spring, Diesel Day promises atmosphere, history and hands-on adventure

🍰 Don’t forget to visit our tearoom, Cups & Carriages for tea, coffee and some well-earned sweet treats.

https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/whats-on/104/diesel-day