Kilkenny railway history - KAS lecture
Taking place at Rothe House
The long and varied history of the railways in Kilkenny will be the interesting subject for next Wednesday's talk hosted by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society.
The Kilkenny to Maryborough (Portlaoise) railway line was constructed by the Kilkenny Junction Railway Company 1864-1867. It left the western end of Kilkenny Railway Station and travelled via Dunmore, Ballyragget, Attanagh and Abbeyleix before reaching the Connebery Junction, one mile outside Portlaoise on the Cork to Dublin line.
Various stretches of the railway bed can still be seen including the Dinin Bridge river crossing.
A branch line was constructed to Castlecomer Colliery from Dunmore Junction in 1919. The line to Portlaoise closed on 31st December 1962 with the 'Comer branch line closing the following day.
Donie Butler, Kilkenny Railway Historian will take you on the journey on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Rothe House. Admission €8 for members and €10 for non members.