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Lartigue Monorail

One day on our way to swimming we took a detour!  We experienced a unique mode of transport at the ‘Lartigue Monorail & Museum‘ in Listowel.  A Grandparent had organised our visit to see the original steam-powered monorail designed by Frenchman Charles Lartigue that ran for 9 miles between Listowel and Ballybunion operating from  1888-1924.  The children watched an old film of the original Lartigue that showed passengers, livestock and freight being carried along a rail supported on A-shaped trestles.   The Monorail in Listowel was the only one of its type to operate successfully.  It was an object of much interest, curiosity and amusement.  Our visit included a short demonstration journey on a full-scale diesel-powered replica of the original monorail. We were able to observe its ingenious switching system.  In the museum we saw models, displays and memorabilia of the Lartigue.  Míle buíochas to the friendly staff, mainly volunteers, who provided information and patiently answered all our questions.  It was well worth the visit.