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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.
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No.4 BRIAN BOROIMHE - 0-4-0VBT - built 1896 by Wilkinson & Co., Wigan, Works No.58 - 1930 sold to R Farris & Co. for the River Bann Navigation Works near Portstewart.
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No.4 BRIAN BOROIMHE - 0-4-0VBT - built 1896 by Wilkinson & Co., Wigan, Works No.58 - 1930 sold to R Farris & Co. for the River Bann Navigation Works near Portstewart.

  • A 'toast-rack' open tram with 2 trailers sits in the passing loop at Bushmills as another approaches - note tiny station building - seen here in 08/30.
  • No.3 DUNLUCE CASTLE - 0-4-0VBT - built 1887 by Wilkinson & Co., Wigan, Works No.54 - 1930 sold to R Farris & Co. for the River Bann Navigation Works near Portstewart - seen here in July 1933.
  • No.3 DUNLUCE CASTLE - 0-4-0VBT - built 1887 by Wilkinson & Co., Wigan, Works No.54 - 1930 sold to R Farris & Co. for the River Bann Navigation Works near Portstewart.
  • No.3 DUNLUCE CASTLE - 0-4-0VBT - built 1887 by Wilkinson & Co., Wigan, Works No.54 - 1930 sold to R Farris & Co. for the River Bann Navigation Works near Portstewart.
  • No.4 BRIAN BOROIMHE - 0-4-0VBT - built 1896 by Wilkinson & Co., Wigan, Works No.58 - 1930 sold to R Farris & Co. for the River Bann Navigation Works near Portstewart.
  • No.4 BRIAN BOROIMHE - 0-4-0VBT - built 1896 by Wilkinson & Co., Wigan, Works No.58 - 1930 sold to R Farris & Co. for the River Bann Navigation Works near Portstewart.
  • PORTRUSH STATION - Although opened in 1855, under Belfast & Northern Counties auspices it was extensively rebuilt in 1893 in a Mock-Tudor villa style with 3 platforms to cater for the expanding tourist traffic. The Giant's Causeway Tramway station was down the side on the left. Today, only one platform is required to cope with traffic and the building has been sold into commercial use.
  • PORTRUSH STATION - Although opened in 1855, under Belfast & Northern Counties auspices it was extensively rebuilt in 1893 in a Mock-Tudor villa style with 3 platforms to cater for the expanding tourist traffic. The Giant's Causeway Tramway station was down the side on the left. Today, only one platform is required to cope with traffic and the building has been sold into commercial use.
  • TRAILER No.6 - A 'toast-rack' trailer with a roof - seen here at Portrush in 1948.
  • TRAILER No.6 - A 'toast-rack' trailer with a roof in tow of a similar tramcar and an enclosed trailer - seen here in 1948.
  • TRAILER No.6 - a roofed toast-rack, sits at Giant's Causeway in the 1930's.
  • TRAILER No.19 - a 'toast rack' style carriage, seen here at Portrush.
  • TRAMCAR No.9 - seen here at Portrush in Jine 1948 - note the board on the front advertising the 1415 departure time.
  • TRAMCAR No.20 - runs around its train at the Giants Causeway terminus.
  • TRAMCAR No.20 - seen here before the sides were enclosed.
  • TRAMCAR No.20 - This had originally been a 'toast rack' style vehicle and has been enclosed - seen here at Portrush in June 1946.
  • TRAMCAR No.21 - originally open topped, a roof has been added - seen here in September 1949.
  • TRAMCAR No.21 and TRAILER No.5 - A 'toast-rack' tramcar offering no shelter from the elements - seen here in May 1920.
  • TRAMCAR No.21 c/w TRAILER No.5 - A 'toast-rack' tramcar offering no shelter from the elements - seen here in May 1920.
  • TRAMCAR No.22 - a roof has been added but it is still open to the elements - seen here at Whiterock in August 1937.
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