Television documentary commemorates eccentric little tram in West Cork

An eccentric little tram which ran for decades between the West Cork towns of Schull and Skibbereen is to be immortalised as part of a television series on Ireland’s trains.

Affectionately known as “the tram”, the Schull and Skibbereen Tramway, which ran along the road between the two towns from 1887 until 1947, is the focus of a TG4 documentary tonight.

The small train had demarcated first and second-class carriages. The second-class passengers sat on wooden slats, but first-class posteriors enjoyed soft upholstery.

The narrow gauge railway running parallel to the road from Skibbereen to Schull was seen as a badge of prestige by many. Climbing over steep hills — often with great difficulty — the tram opened up a world of possibilities, in particular to the people of Schull, as it carried fish, sand and livestock, as well as passengers.

However, the tramway never made a profit — there was not enough passenger traffic to make the line viable.

Coal shortages during the First World War, which meant the train had to run on turf for a time, combined with the harsh winter of 1947 led to it being closed.

The techniques used to build the railway were “pennywise, pound foolish”, according to Geraldine Heffernan, director of TG4 series Bóithre Iarainn, which also looked at the West Cork Railway. Money was saved in every possible way, she said. The steep gradients and sharp curves that faced the train meant it rarely reached over 15mph (24km/h).

A contractor named D’Avigdor from London was originally employed to build the line, which often broke down and never ran efficiently. “The train was so slow that locals say that young boys could easily keep up with the train while cycling along the road beside it,” said Ms Heffernan.

The magnificent 12-arch stone viaduct at Ballydehob which still stands today was the most significant feature on the building of the tramway, which was much beloved by locals.

“Locals have their lovely memories of this unusual little train with its wooden carriages, cowcatcher in front, and veranda at the back, which they recall with great affection,” said Ms Heffernan.

“On regatta day, the train would be packed with people hanging out over the veranda at the back.”

* Bóithre Iarainn featuring the tramway will be broadcast tonight on TG4 at 8pm.