The Casino Model Railway Museum

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | August 11, 2024

Malahide Station replica at the Casino Model Railway Museum

The Casino Model Railway Museum: A Hidden Gem in Malahide
In the heart of Malahide Village, just a short walk from the historic Malahide Castle, lies a charming thatched cottage with an unexpected secret. The Casino Model Railway Museum, housed in what is considered one of the finest thatched cottages in Ireland, is a haven for railway enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Stepping into this beautifully restored cottage is like stepping back in time, where the hum of model trains and the intricate craftsmanship of a bygone era captivate the imagination.

The Casino Model Railway Museum Malahide Cyril Fry Railway Work Station

A Tribute to Cyril Fry’s Passion
The museum is home to the incredible model railway collection of Cyril Fry, a man whose lifelong passion for trains has left an indelible mark on Irish railway history. Born in 1905, Fry’s fascination with trains began in his childhood, watching the engines that rumbled past his family’s home in Dundrum. This early fascination blossomed into a dedicated hobby, and eventually, a remarkable legacy.

Cyril Fry’s models are extraordinary as explained in a video early in the self-guided tour. Over his lifetime, he hand-crafted more than 350 miniature railway engines, wagons, and carriages with such precision and detail that they are considered one of the most important private collections of model railways ever created. Fry’s meticulous attention to detail was unparalleled—he often worked from original railway company plans and drawings to ensure accuracy. From casting the wheels to hand-painting the finest details, Fry’s models are a testament to his engineering skill and artistic talent.

As you explore the museum, it’s impossible not to be amazed by the complexity of Fry’s work. The models are displayed on a modern working layout that pays homage to Fry’s original creation, complete with signal lights and level crossing barriers that work automatically—just as they did in the intricate attic layout he built at his home. This layout, which once included replicas of Dublin, Cork, and Belfast stations, was described by Fry’s daughter Patricia as “an absolute fairyland,” and the museum captures that magical quality in its displays.

Casino Model Railway Museum Malahide DART exhibit

More Than Just Models
The Casino Model Railway Museum offers much more than just a look at Fry’s models. The museum’s self-guided tour takes you on an intriguing journey through the history of rail use in Ireland. From the first steam locomotives to the trams and diesel engines of the 1950s, the museum’s exhibits provide a comprehensive view of how railways shaped Ireland’s development.

Interactive displays and videos delve into the fascinating history of the Irish railway system, including the pivotal Dublin to Drogheda Railway Line, which celebrates its 180th anniversary in 2024. The museum’s exhibits explore how this vital line, which passes through Malahide, has impacted the region and the broader history of Irish transport.

One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to play conductor on a DART train simulator. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that’s perfect for visitors of all ages, allowing you to step into the shoes of a train driver and experience the thrill of controlling a train along Dublin’s coastal route.