Daniel O'Connell Heritage Trail Stop 2

Early in the 1830's the bringing of the Railway to South Kerry was discussed. O'Connell's idea was to see the railway touching the southern coastline and to continue from Cahersiveen to Cork via Kenmare. The line between Farranfore and Killorglin came into existence in 1885 and passengers for South Kerry were transported by Leslie's Coaches from Killorglin. The dynamic Parish Priest Canon Brosnan was authorised to go to Dublin and then London where he succeeded in getting a grant of £85,000 to continue the Railway line from Killorglin to Valentia Harbour. The Great Southern and Western Railway undertook the building of the line. The total cost was £243,627 and due to the difficult terrain it cost £9000 per mile. On November 28th 1891, Canon Brosnan laid the foundation stone for the Railway bridge. The completed iron bridge spans 940 feet which has 7 spans of 100 feet and 4 spans of 60 feet. The Railway line was sanctioned to open on September 11th, 1893 and a large crowd gathered to witness the historic event.
For 67 years the Railway line to Farranfore saw passenger and cargo trains travel on a daily basis. The cargo trains were vital for the transport of fish and turf during World War II. The number of tunnels and the majestic Viaduct provided a magnificent panorama of the mountains, Dingle bay and the Blasket Islands. Despite



the frustration and anger of the local people. C.I.E. closed the branch line between Farranfore and Valentia Harbour on January 30th, 1960. Its closure had a detrimental effect on the social and economic life of South West Kerry.
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The Railway
Sive Fort
The Barracks Heritage Centre
War Memorial
Presentation Convent
O'Connell Memorial Church
Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty
Primrose Walk
O'Connell's Birth Place
The Daniel O'Connell Memorial Park

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