To the delight of many, a steam train still operates over a short stretch of the old Dingle line. What is more incredible is the steam loco is a genuine survivor of the Tralee and Dingle Railway. The Hunslet-built 2-6-2T no 5 is back on the line it was built for, despite being moved away to the Cavan and Leitrim Railway upon closure of the home line. When the Cavan line closed, no 5 was acquired for the Steamtown museum in the United States and was shipped across the Atlantic. On display for many years, the fairy tale continued when the loco made the return journey to Kerry, was restored to full working order and in 1993 re-commenced duties on the relayed Tralee to Blennerville section...

In the summer months, no 5 can be found on most days, pulling two coaches across the saltmarshes. Starting from a platform on the site of the old, long-vanished, Blennerville Station, overlooked by the famous white Windmill, the train follows the old trackbed alongside the lane to Hillyard, then veers away to cross a tidal tributary. Just before the old route once crossed the River Lee, the new line turns to the east, over a level crossing and a new platform close by Tralee's new Aquadome.

The loco and rolling stock is maintained at a small works at Blennerville, reached by a level crossing over the Hillyard road. The crossing is on an acute angle, similar to the many crossings on the old line and generates scenes of the past at the start and end of the working day when the loco traverses the roadway...

A trip on the train is always a wonderful experience. Today's operation is run by the local Tralee Town Council. Train times vary and there are days when no trains run due to regular boiler maintenance - the Railway has just the one loco. Therefore it is always best to check operating dates and train times - try ringing the Tourist Office at the Ashe Hall, Tralee on 066 7121288...