Located on John B. Keane Road in Listowel, Co. Kerry, the Lartigue Monorail & Museum is a unique heritage attraction celebrating the world’s first commercial passenger-carrying monorail, which operated between Listowel and Ballybunion from 1888 to 1924. This quirky railway, designed by French engineer Charles Lartigue and inspired by camel panniers in Algeria, ran on a single elevated rail supported by A-shaped trestles, with stabilizing guide rails. Revived in 2003 by the Lartigue Monorailway Restoration Committee, the museum and 1km replica track offer a fascinating glimpse into this engineering marvel, making it a recommended visit for families, train enthusiasts, and what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious” along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Key Attractions and Experiences:
- Monorail Ride: Visitors enjoy a 500m–1km ride on a full-scale, diesel-powered replica of the original steam monorail, built by Alan Keef Ltd. The train, with two third-class carriages seating up to 40 passengers, replicates the unique design with balanced loads on either side of the rail. The ride, which includes three platforms, two turntables, and three switches, showcases the ingenious switching system and turntable operations, with a chance to stand on the footplate for photos if requested. Reviews describe it as “great fun” and “utterly unique,” appealing to all ages, though it’s short and can be bumpy. The ride takes about 10–15 minutes and is a highlight for children and train buffs.
- Museum and Exhibits: Housed in a restored Great Southern & Western Railway (later CIÉ) goods shed, the museum features an audio-visual room with a 20-minute film, including 100-year-old British Pathé footage of the original monorail and its 2003 recreation. Interactive wooden models demonstrate the switching system, while displays of photographs, posters, tickets, lamps, and newspaper articles cover the Lartigue and mainline railways. A scale model of the original Lartigue station and memorabilia, such as Marconi-related items, add depth. Some visitors note limited explanations of artefacts or the railway’s closure (due to Civil War damage and financial losses), but the exhibits are “engaging” and “educational.”
- Historical Context: The museum explores the monorail’s history, from its 1888 opening to its 1924 closure after 36 years of carrying passengers, livestock, and sand. The line’s quirky design required balanced loads (e.g., two calves to balance a cow), and its single rail on A-frames made level crossings impossible, adding to its charm and challenges. The museum also touches on the Irish Civil War’s impact and the railway’s cultural significance, reflected in local poems.
- Staff and Atmosphere: Run by enthusiastic volunteers, often praised as “super lovely” and “knowledgeable,” the centre offers a warm, interactive experience. Staff, including figures like Jack McKenna (who rode the original monorail), provide detailed answers and make the visit “a bright spot,” as noted in Tripadvisor reviews. The site’s compact size, less than 100m from the original terminus, adds authenticity.
- Family-Friendly Features: The short ride and interactive models engage children, while the museum’s memorabilia and film appeal to adults. The centre is suitable for all ages, with reviewers calling it a recommended visit for North Kerry visitors. The nearby Childers Park & Woodlands offers additional family activities.
- Amenities: The goods shed serves as the entrance, ticket office, and museum, with a small souvenir shop selling monorail-themed items. There’s no on-site café, but Listowel’s eateries, like John B. Keane’s Pub, are a short walk away. Free parking is available, and the site is partially wheelchair-accessible (the museum is accessible, but the train ride involves steps). Toilets are available on-site.
Visitor Expectations:
- A visit typically lasts 1–1.5 hours, including the 10–15-minute train ride, 20-minute film, and time exploring exhibits. Priced at €6/adult and €3/child (pre-2025, museum and ride), it’s considered “tremendous value” by reviewers, earning a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for its top 10% ranking.
- The “fascinating” and “unique” experience appeals to train enthusiasts and casual visitors, with the “charming” volunteers augmenting the fun.
- Some online reviewers note the short track length and lack of detailed artefact labels as minor drawbacks, but the “well-preserved” history and “exciting” ride make it a “hidden treasure.” Located 45 minutes from Tralee and near Kerry Writer’s Museum and Listowel Castle, it’s an easy addition to a North Kerry itinerary. The site is best visited on a clear day, as the open carriages offer little weather protection.
What’s New:
- Operating Schedule: The centre reopens on May 1, 2025, running daily from 1:00pm to 4:30pm through September 30, 2025, with a special Easter opening from April 19–21, 2025. This consistent schedule ensures accessibility during peak tourist season.
- New Carriage Windows: In 2024, the Lartigue Monorail received funding from the Department of Community and Rural Development and Kerry County Council under the Community Enhancement Programme to install windows on both sides of two carriages. These windows, completed, improve passenger comfort by offering weather protection, making the ride more enjoyable in Kerry’s unpredictable climate.
Additional Tips:
- Booking: Pre-book via www.lartiguemonorail.com or call +353 (0)68 24393, especially for groups or special openings (e.g., October for large groups. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.
- Preparation: Bring rain gear for open carriages and cash, as card payments may not be available. Wear comfortable shoes for boarding.
- Getting There: From Tralee, take N69 (45-minute drive) or Bus Éireann to Listowel. The centre is a short walk from Listowel town centre, near John B. Keane’s Pub.
- Combine Visits: Pair with Kerry Writer’s Museum, Listowel Castle, or a trip to Ballybunion’s beaches (15km away) for a full day.
- Check with staff for mobility needs, as the train ride involves steps but the museum is accessible.
- Photography: No photography is allowed during the film, but the footplate photo op is a highlight.
The Lartigue Monorail & Museum offers a “fascinating” and “unique” step back into railway history, with its 2025 carriage window upgrades and seasonal events augmenting a memorable visit to Listowel
