Owned by Iarnród Éireann Structure type At-grade Fare zone K Province Leinster | Operated by Iarnród Éireann Station code KKNNY Opened 1848 Owner Iarnród Éireann Platforms in use 2 | |
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Location Dublin Road, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, R95 AWY8
Republic of Ireland Address Highhays, Kilkenny, Ireland Similar Waterford railway station, Thomastown railway station, Limerick Colbert railway st, Limerick Junction railway st, The Tholsel - Kilkenny | ||
Steam train at kilkenny railway station
Kilkenny railway station (MacDonagh Station), (Irish: Stáisiún Mhic Donncha) serves the city of Kilkenny in County Kilkenny.
Contents
It is a station on the Dublin to Waterford intercity route.
It was given the name MacDonagh on 10 April 1966 in commemoration of Thomas MacDonagh, one of the executed leaders of the Easter Rising of 1916.
It is on a short spur off the main railway line, from the Lavistown Loop Line, a distance of approximately 4.5 km. This requires trains to exit the station in the same direction from which they entered. This meant moving the locomotive from one end to the other. Today the use of IE 22000 Class railcars stop the need for a turnaround.
Previous station
The station opened on 12 May 1848.
The old station can be seen at the bottom of the platforms, facing north. There were 3 platforms: 2 through, and 1 bay facing Waterford/Dublin Via Carlow. The two through tracks carried on over a bridge, onwards to Maryborough (Now Portlaoise) or Castlecomer. This allowed running of trains from Dublin to Waterford without the need for a runaround. However, when many rural lines in the Irish Railway network shut down, the station reverted to its current state. The Old Building had separate waiting-rooms for Ladies and Gentlemen and an underpass to the island platform. Formerly, locomotives would runaround here, although since 2011 this is not possible.
Present day
In 2011 track north of the two platforms were lifted, and filled in with platform. This provides a direct level link to Platform 2 as the footbridge was difficult to climb during cold weather. This creates a layout similar to Howth railway station and abolished the runaround facility.
The station building is in the old cargo shed, and is equipped with
It is fully accessible with a ramp from outside.
Bus links
Bus Éireann services X4, X7, 073 & 374 stop outside the station at a bus shelter at the side of the station.