04/11/2025
This is a straight reprint in softback of the Oakwood book first published in 1999 as a hardback, albeit with a new front cover image. Boyd’s book 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. The line opened in 1886, only for service to be suspended in 1887 for a year, as recounted in the chapters A Shaky Start and Nothing but Trouble, followed by Worrying Times. Although things settled down after this, in the period 1916-1925 the railway was much affected by wider political events in Ireland. During WW2 although Ireland was not a participant, the shortages it brought had an impact on the Schull and Skibbereen. The railway became part of CIE in 1945 but this was amidst a fuel crisis resulting in passenger services being withdrawn before abandonment in 1956. With nineteen chapters and four appendices Boyd’s account is very comprehensive; in 1999 the Southern Star described it as “definitive and containing many beautiful photographs, sketches and charts”. Another press review called it “a classic”. Many years on we have brought the book back into print. With 280 pages and 200 illustrations. RRP £25.95. Available from your favourite bookseller or direct from ourselves. We have a website at www.stenlake.co.uk but we are always happy to take orders on the phone also on 01290 551122
