Blog | Táilte Tours

Black and white photo of a steam train passing by a canal, in which two people are rowing a boat.

A history of the Woolwich locomotives: 100 Years on

1925 marks the 100th Anniversary of the introduction of the first 'Woolwich', or K1 class, steam locomotives on the Great Southern Railways in Ireland.

Dec 11, 20255 min read

A Niall O'Brien photo of City Imp bus ML18 at Waterford in 1998 with loco 124 in the background.

Remembering the City Imp

Much loved by passengers, City Imp buses have their own story to tell. How did these buses come into being? How come they were so successful? Why were they red and yellow, and more importantly, where did all the routes go to?

Nov 26, 20255 min read

50 years closed: a history of the Ardee branch line

The railway line to Ardee opened in 1896, closed to passengers in the 1930s but stayed open for goods and special excursion trains and railtours until 1975.

Oct 19, 20254 min read

GSR 100 celebrations continue

Last November we kicked off the Great Southern Railway(s) 100th Anniversary celebrations with a railtour over much of its premier...

Sep 22, 20252 min read

Wicklow's forgotten railway: a look at the Shillelagh branch line

It is now over 80 years since the last passenger train served the Woodenbridge-Shillelagh branch line, and in this article, we will take a look at the history of the Shillelagh branch line.

Sep 2, 20256 min read

Back to school—a look at the SS Class school bus

Perhaps the most iconic Irish school bus, the CIÉ SS class undertook the majority of school transport in Ireland for over 25 years

Aug 27, 20253 min read

Loco 638 brings a train of hoppers off the Kingscourt branch at Navan, Photo: Ernie's Railway Archive.

175 years of railway history in Navan

One anniversary this year, which we could not let go unmarked, is the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the railway in Navan, Co. Meath.

Aug 9, 20255 min read

The last of a breed: a look at the GNR U Class locos

The Great Northern Railway of Ireland U class occupies an interesting place in the story of Irish steam locomotive development, and while at a casual glance may look similar to other GNR classes such as the Q or S type, they hold a special all of their own.

Jul 7, 20255 min read

Steam engine wearing the Tailte Tours headboard.

Recap: The On the Laois tour—a steam tour with a difference

A recap of our 10th operation, the "On the Laois" tour to Straffan and Stradbally.

Jun 22, 20254 min read

The 175th anniversary of the Cork, Blackrock & Passage Railway:

June 2025 marks the 175th anniversary of a major development in the history of transport in Cork: the opening of the Cork, Blackrock & Passage Railway.

Jun 12, 20256 min read

80 years of CIÉ—a look at its role in Irish transport history

2025 marks another important anniversary in the history of Irish transport, for it is now 80 years since Coras Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) was established, going on to become a household name within Ireland. In this article, we will explore its history, including the factors that led to its formation and its development over the past eight decades.

May 29, 20257 min read