Historical group talk on Crossgar rail links

Historical group talk on Crossgar rail links

17 January 2024

CROSSGAR Historical Society will host a talk on the Belfast and Co Down Railway in Crossgar War Memorial Hall next Tuesday evening.

The guest speaker will be the renowned railway historian, Charles Friel, from Enniskillen.

His talk, entitled ‘Rails through Crossgar,’ will look at the Crossgar of area of the Belfast and Co Down Railway and the nearby branch to Ballynahinch on Junction Road.

The talk will begin at 7.30pm, with a £3 admission for everyone.

Mr Friel will share unpublished photos and locals are invited to help identify people within them.

Society president Callum Bowsie said: “The Belfast and Co Down Railway is a major part of Crossgar’s history.

“Its opening in 1859 put the relatively new village of Crossgar in the centre of Co Down’s main railway line which ran from Belfast to Newcastle.

“Although the line was closed by Stormont in 1950, its indent is visible through our countryside.”

He added: “Growing up on the local railway line, I have always marvelled at how Victorian engineers gorged through the drumlins of Down and erected magnificent bridges over these cuts. So I’m looking forward to hearing all about the BCDR.”