Why Join?

The Downpatrick & County Down Railway Society is a not-for-profit charity, operated completely by volunteers, the staff that are operate our trains and update this website are giving their time freely to save our railway heritage. Will you help us?

The Downpatrick & County Down Railway Society has nearly 200 members, mainly from Northern Ireland, but with a significant number from around the globe. Our membership is drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, but we all have a common interest in preventing priceless artefacts of railway infrastructure and historic rolling stock being swept away with the ongoing modernisation of the rail networks both North and South.

By joining you too can help to promote our aims and work. There is absolutely no obligation to become a volunteer with membership - though if you do want to help - please feel free!

Membership of the Downpatrick & County Down Railway Society ensures that you regularly receive our periodical newsletter free of charge, as well as our bi-annual magazine, Downrail, keeping you informed of all developments at Downpatrick.

Membership also entitles you to a free ticket for our operating season and the chance to take part in Society visits to other areas of railway heritage across the UK and Ireland.

However, the most important benefit of membership is the ability to shape the direction of the railway. As a democratic organisation, membership entitles you to attend our annual AGM and have your chance to put your views directly to the management of the railway. Want something adopted as official policy? Then prepare a motion!

You can tell us what areas are we doing well in and what areas that need looking at. You also have the right to stand for election to the management committee or simply to vote for or against the election of the following year's Management Committee. Don't like the direction a particular department is going? Think someone else - perhaps yourself - could do a better job? Then use your vote!

It's your railway - it's your say!

Volunteering Opportunities

Tour Guide
Track Laying
Fundraising
Train staff (Guards, firemen, drivers, etc.)
Woodwork/Metal work
Platform staff
Signals and Telegraph
and much, much more!

Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, gender, interests or abilities. You don't need to have any experience on the railways or any trade, so whether you are a student, unemployed, retired or simply have a couple of hours spare on Wednesdays or Saturdays, just bring yourself along - you're guaranteed a warm welcome!

Subscription Rates

Our current membership rates are as follows: