A Journey Back in Time - and Forward into Sligo’s Future

There’s something timeless about trains. Not just as a way of getting from one place to another, but as an experience - the sound, the movement, the anticipation of arrival. It’s something many of us remember, and something visitors are still drawn to today.

Our plan is to establish a heritage train link between Sligo Mac Diarmada Station and the proposed ultimate location of Sligo Miniature World at Ballast Quay. What makes this idea especially exciting is that much of the railway infrastructure is already in place. With the right adaptations, this connection could come to life as a journey visitors will remember. At the heart of this experience would be a brand new Sligo Miniature World Station, built as part of the venue itself. Stepping off a beautifully restored historic train and arriving directly into the world of miniature landscapes and stories… that moment would be something truly special.

And the journey may go even further. Because the train would not need to terminate in Sligo, it opens the door to something

more exciting. This service could continue towards nearby Collooney, and in time, potentially further - towards Coolaney, should the Sligo-Galway line be restored. We could even revisit places like Ballysadare, where a station once stood - bringing back a platform and reconnecting past and present. This could create a small but meaningful five-stop heritage network, offering both visitors and locals a unique and memorable way to explore the area. This would add another layer to what Sligo offers - turning a visit into a journey, and a journey into something people will talk about long after they return home. It would also allow more places to become part of the overall visitor experience.

With the support of Iarnród Éireann and local authorities, this vision can be made a reality. Of course, while the train would reflect the charm of another era, their operation would be mindful of today’s world, combining heritage appearance with modern, environmentally responsible solutions.

Because in the end… everyone loves trains.

Follow the journey

by Alexander Sznajder