A Westmeath Old Rail Trail Audio Guide

A Westmeath Old Rail Trail Audio Guide

Welcome to Streamstown Train Station on the Old Rail Trail. For just over a century this train line was used by locomotives carrying goods, animals and people. This station has a rather intriguing history connected to a Grand National-winning racehorse, the 1916 Rising, Ireland’s War of Independence, and the Civil War.

For thousands of people, decades ago, this station provided them with access to the towns and cities of Ireland and further afield as this was their only form of transportation, their only way of visiting family or bringing their animals to markets across the country. The trains were also the only efficient way of transporting goods such as post, building materials, and even a Grand National-winning racehorse!

Streamstown Station is also linked to some of Ireland’s defining moments. It has a connection not just to the 1916 Easter Rising but also to the War of Independence and the Civil War. In the not-so-distant past, bullets ricocheted off walls here, grenades were launched, and bombs were planted here. Continue listening to discover more about the station’s dynamic history and to hear local voices recalling their stories and memories of the area.

Title: Streamstown Station – Tales from the Track

Duration: 67 mins.

Summary:

This audio guide is an Abarta Heritage Produced on behalf of Westmeath County Council, National Roads Office. It was recorded at Bluebird Studios with sound engineer Declan Lonergan and producer Róisín Burke. The script was written by Tara Ó’Faoláin and was edited by Róisín Burke and the narration was by Gerry O’Brien.

A special thank you to Elva Roe, Public Liaison Officer, National Roads Office, Melanie McQuade, Heritage Officer and Una Doris, Tourism Officer. We would also like to thank locals; Annette Stokes Scally, Dick Stokes, Eamonn Casey and Pat and Sabina Moran for all the fantastic stories and memories they shared. We would also like to thank historian Ruth Illingworth and artist Ciara Maxwell for their valued contributions to the guide.

The Streamstown Station Audio Guide is one of four audio guides and books that have been produced for sites along the Old Rail Trail Cycle Way in Co. Westmeath. Other guides and books that are part of this series are: Crosswood Bog Audio Book, Kilcumreragh Audio Guide and Unsilent Stones Audio Book. These can all be accessed for free on our website and podcast channels.

This audio guide is also available on

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