October 9, 1834

Ireland’s first public railroad, the Dublin and Kingstown Railway, was opened on this day in 1834. After founding and laying the first tracks in 1831, a short delay occurred in the building due to opposition from some landowners, the laying of tracks over an embankment, and the creation of the Booterstown Marsh. The first train departed on October 9, consisting of eight cars pulled by the “Hibernia.” The railway line was eventually expanded.