New model railway pulls into Malahide 

THERE was great excitement in a Northside town last week for the official opening of an eagerly awaited visitor attraction. 

Fingal County Council unveiled the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide following the completion of a €4 million restoration programme on the historic Casino building and conservation of the Fry Model Railway Collection.

The Casino, which occupies a prominent position at the entrance to Malahide, is the only cottage Orne of this type in Fingal and is of significant historical importance to the county’s architectural heritage.

It has been carefully conserved, restored and extended to become a modern visitor attraction that is now the permanent home of the Fry Model Railway collection.

The collection is of great historical importance not only to the people of Malahide but also to model train enthusiasts worldwide. 

It is truly a national treasure that will now be displayed permanently for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

As well as the Fry Model collection, the museum will also accommodate a large modern model railway layout depicting several railway scenescapes in Ireland, interactive displays, soundscapes, an education and exhibition space and historical interpretations and memorabilia from Irish Railways.

The project was funded through Fingal County Council’s capital programme and a generous donation of €1.5 million from the late Michael Gaffney of Malahide.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said: “The redevelopment of the Casino has been one of the most eagerly-anticipated projects in the Malahide area so it fills me with pride to be able to open this wonderful heritage property.

“It goes without saying that the Casino Model Railway Museum will be a spectacular amenity for local and visitors, both young and old, to enjoy for years to come.

“I would like to pay tribute to the Malahide Group, comprising GV Wright, Colette Smith, Michael Howard, Matt Ryan Jnr, Nora Owen, Matt McNulty and Alfie O’Dowd, who worked tirelessly over the years to ensure this project got to this point.”

The Mayor also commended Fingal County Council for investing significantly in the project, and paid tribute to the late Michael Gaffney for his generous donation towards the restoration of the building.

Fingal County Council chief executive AnnMarie Farrelly said the restoration and redevelopment of the Casino building has been a major capital project for the council

“This is a truly wonderful day for the Malahide area, and indeed Fingal as a whole, and I have no doubt that the Casino Model Railway Museum will become a popular tourism attraction going forward,” said Ms Farrelly.

“The Casino is a unique property and the meticulous restoration and conservation work will ensure that the public will get to enjoy this modern visitor attraction accommodation in such an architecturally significant and historic building.”