Cavan And Leitrim Railway Dromod, Co Leitrim, 078-38599)

Running along half a mile of narrow-gauge track, it takes passengers by railcar or diesel engine on weekdays and dusts down the steam engine on Sundays. Open: 10a.m.-5.30p.m. Monday to Saturday, 1 p.m.-5.30 p.m. Sunday (adults £3.50, children £2, families £8; prices include guided tour).

Stradbally Steam Train Stradbally Hall, Co Laois (ette@gofree.indigo.ie, 0502-25444) Charming journey along a narrow-gauge track through the demesne of Stradbally Hall. The next outing is for the Stradbally steam rally on August 5th and 6th. Enthusiasts can also see up to 35 steam engines loading timber, crushing stones and hauling freight. There will also be a carnival for children, and there's plenty of room for picnics.

Marlay Park Rathfarnham, Dublin. Young children will marvel at the model steam train that runs along a tiny track in a walled garden. While some children may be a bit scared to go on it alone (adults aren't allowed), others will love it. They can hop on again and again, as long as everyone gets a turn, as there is no cost. Saturday afternoons in July and August, 3p.m.-5 p.m.

Railway Preservation Society Of Ireland Connolly Station, Dublin (01-2809147) Forthcoming trips include one to Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, for the Strawberry Fair on July 7th, one to Wexford town on August 11th and short runs to Maynooth, Co Kildare, and Greystones, Co Wicklow, on September 2nd.

Clonmacnoise & West Offaly Railway 0905-74114 Visitors can hop on a bog train, drawn by a diesel locomotive, that will take them on a 45-minute tour to observe the past, present and future uses of Blackwater bog in Shannonbridge, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Tours run on the hour from 10a.m. to 5p.m. each day (admission: adults £4, children £2.70, families £12).