Iarnród Enda

The Waterford Greenway in the 'Sunny South East' has brought a new lease of life to this beautiful region, yet before the railway line closed it helped encourage a vibrant commercial and farming environment, as well as making a strong contribution at the end of the 19 Century. to growth and development of the newly formed GAA. This programme has contributions from historian Donnchadh O’Ceallacháin, Tom Hartery, Mary Crowley, PJ Maher – the last station master before the line closed, and renowned chef Paul Flynn up a barbecue for Enda.

Enda Kenny returns to his native Co Mayo, travelling from Westport to Achill Island and learning about the ancient prophecy of Brian Rua UChearbhain

Immortalised by the Percy French song “Are you Right There Michael Are You Right?”, the West Clare Railway has become one of the world’s most celebrated railway lines. Enda travels from Ennis to Killkee, takes a trip on a renovated steam train and meets some of Co. Clare’s finest – including Tara Breen (The Chieftains), Martin Breen, Myra Shannon, Marty Morrissey, Tony Killeen, Roísín Garvey and steam train revivalist Jackie Whelan.

Enda travels the line that ran from Derry City across the border to the remote fishing village of Burtonport. We learn of the gale force winds which caused the Owencarrow Viaduct disaster. We hear beautiful music from sean-nós singer Diane Cannon and Mazurkas from ‘The Sí fiddlers’. This programme also has contributions from local historian Seán Beattie, Séamus Doohan, Eugene Green and David Alcorn.

Starting in Portrush on the idyllic North Antrim coast, Enda visits the home of the Open, Royal Portrush Golf Club, visits Dunluce Castle of Game of Thrones fame, hears of the link with the Global company Siemens, travels on a train and finally finishes at one of the wonders of the world – The Giant’s Causeway. Historian Dónal Mac an Ailín, John Moulden, Ciara Mathers, Sean Ó Muireagáin and Patrick Davey enliven the journey along the way.

Enda travels to county Louth to journey along the railway line that ran along the beautiful east coastline from Dundalk to the bustling port of Greenore. The line continues towards the coastal villages of Carlingford and Omeath, crossing the border and traveling on to Newry. Along the way he visits model railway enthusiast Anne & Brian Larkin who have recreated a model of the route from Dundalk to the port at Greenore, and hears from Brendan McQuaid, retired station master in Dundalk. Others include Patsy Duffy, Dónal Murray, Hughie Rafferty, Brendan Mc Sherry and Neville McCann