railway station

Detached seven-bay single-storey former railway station, built c.1850, having gable-fronted projecting bay and canopy to front (south-east). Later return to rear (north-west) and remains of historic lean-to addition to side (north-east). Pitched slate roofs having looped terracotta ridge crestings, red brick chimneystacks, cast-iron rainwater goods and timber bargeboards with finials to gables. Perspex roofs to lean-to and canopy, supported on cast-iron brackets. Flemish bond red brick walls having chamfered limestone sill course, rubble stone plinth to rear elevation. Camber-headed window openings within stepped red brick surrounds with chamfered reveals. Rendered internal surrounds to south-western openings of front elevation. One-over-one pane timber sliding sash windows and uPVC casement windows. Square-headed window openings with stone sills to return, having one-over-one pane timber sliding sash windows. Camber-headed door openings with stepped red brick and rendered surrounds with chamfered reveals, red brick voussoirs, timber battened doors and replacement uPVC door. Sited on rubble limestone platform having moulded render coping.

The Cork, Bandon and South Coast Railway (CB&SCR) opened for traffic between Bandon and Ballinhassig in December 1851 and the last train travelled the line on 31 March 1961. This former railway station retains its original character and many historic materials. The railway companies were quick to realise the potential of mass produced materials and the red brick and cast-iron of this building contrasts with the locally sourced materials used for other buildings in the area. Together with the related platform, it is a reminder of the extent of the rail network in the past.