This book is a straight reprint in softback of the Oakwood Press book first published in 1999 as a hardback. James Boyd’s book was built on a previous small Oakwood book on the subject by A. T. Newham, published in 1964. The Schull and Skibbereen Railway operated in Ireland’s West County Cork but is more aptly called a tramway.
The story of this light railway has been variously described as colourful, eventful and fascinating. Originally conceived of as two railways, botched construction began in 1885 and the line opened in 1886, only for service to be suspended in 1887 for a year, as recounted in the early chapters of this book. Although things settled down after 1916-1925, the railway was greatly affected by broader political events in Ireland.
Although Ireland did not participate in World War 2, the shortages it brought impacted the railway. It became part of CIE in 1945 amidst a fuel crisis, resulting in passenger services being withdrawn and abandoned in 1956.
With nineteen chapters and four appendices, Boyd’s account is the comprehensive history of this rural railway. Well-illustrated throughout with over 200 archive black & white photographs, maps and diagrams. 200 pages.