THE GIANTS CAUSEWAY, PORTRUSH & BUSH VALLEY TRAMWAY

The Giant's Causeway Tramway, operated by the Giant's Causeway, Portrush and Bush Valley Railway & Tramway Company Ltd, was a pioneering 3 foot narrow gauge electric railway operating between Portrush and the Giant's Causeway on the coast of County Antrim. The line, 9.25 miles long, was hailed at its opening as “the first long electric tramway in the world. The line opened in 1883 with 4 steam trams operating on the Portrush - Bushmills section but in September 1883, a full electric service began, powered at 550vDC from a third rail, power provided hydroelectrically. In 1895, a cyclist was killed when he touched the third rail and so from July 1899 overhead wires were installed. The line was busy until the mid-20's and closed completely in 1949. Rolling stock consisted of up to 6 powered tramcars, some 'toast-rack', some enclosed, and up to 15 non-powered trailers. These pictures are published for pleasure/information/research purposes only and are not for sale or copy under any circumstances. Information in captions has been researched as thoroughly as possible but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.