On 2nd October 1848 the first train pulled into Mullingar Station heralding an entirely new way to travel and conduct commerce for the inhabitants of Mullingar and its environs. Over the next 175 years, trains became an integral part of the town’s transport network with the rest of the country while creating employment and trade.
In 1998, on the 150th anniversary of the first train’s arrival, ‘When the Train Came to Mullingar’ was published. Containing everything from memories to murder, tracklayers to royalty, this excellent locally produced book will take the reader on a journey through the living heritage of Mullingar and its Railway.
In recognition of National Heritage Week (12th – 20th August) Westmeath Libraries have a small number of copies of ‘When the Train Came to Mullingar’ to give out free to those who would like to have a copy of this unique item in their possession. Copies will be available to collect from Mullingar Library Local Studies Room during opening hours.
Historical tours of Mullingar Railway will be conducted during Heritage Week by local Historian Ruth Illingworth on the 14th and 16th August. Please see www.heritageweek.ie for details or pick up a copy of the official guide from your local library.
