A Showcase of Miniature Engineering
The Casino Model Railway Museum is a captivating destination for train enthusiasts of all ages, located in the heart of Malahide village.
Housed in a beautifully restored thatched cottage, the museum showcases a unique collection of miniature trains and intricate layouts, offering a nostalgic journey through the history of Irish railways
Model Railways
Prepare to be amazed by the intricate detail of Cyril Fry’s handcrafted model railways. See meticulously crafted locomotives, wagons, and carriages, each a tiny masterpiece of engineering.
Realistic Landscapes
Immerse yourself in miniature worlds, complete with rolling hills, bustling towns, and charming villages. Watch the trains navigate bridges, tunnels, and intricate track layouts.
Historical Recreations
Discover iconic Irish railway scenes brought to life in miniature, from bustling city stations to quaint rural stops.
More Than Just Models
Educational Exhibits
Delve into the fascinating history of Irish railways through informative displays and interactive exhibits. Learn about the evolution of train technology, the impact of railways on Irish society, and the stories behind the models.
Hands-On Fun
Engage with interactive elements that allow you to control some of the model railway features.
Historical Recreations
Discover iconic Irish railway scenes brought to life in miniature, from bustling city stations to quaint rural stops.
Perfect for All Ages
Whether you’re a seasoned model railway enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and unique experience, the Casino Model Railway has something for everyone.
History of the Museum
Cyril Fry will be remembered in Irish railway history for his lifelong passion for trains and the exquisite workmanship of the hand- crafted models he designed and made.
Cyril Fry’s hand-made models are possibly one of the most important private collections of miniature railway in Europe.
Don’t Forget To
Explore the Museum
Take your time to wander through the exhibits and appreciate the intricate details of the models and displays.
Ask Questions
Our friendly staff are passionate about model railways and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Take Photos
Capture the magic of the miniature world and share your experience with friends and family. Come and experience the wonder of the Casino Model Railway Museum – a truly unique attraction in the heart of Malahide.
The Model Railway Museum
Restoration and Renewal
Recognising the historical significance of the cottage, Fingal County Council undertook a major restoration project in the 2010s. The building was carefully conserved, renovated, and extended to create a modern museum space.
Home to a Legacy
In 2020, the Casino Cottage Orné reopened its doors as the Casino Model Railway Museum, providing a permanent home for the extraordinary collection of Cyril Fry.
A Symbiotic Relationship
Today, the museum and the cottage complement each other perfectly. The restored building provides a fitting backdrop for the intricate model railways, while the museum ensures the preservation of this unique architectural gem.
Plan Your Visit Today
Belfast Airport
Dublin Airport
Shannon Airport
Cork Airport
Belfast Harbour
Dublin Port
Rosslare Harbour
How to find us
The Casino Model Railway Musuem is located a 10 minute drive from Dublin Airport and a 25 minute drive from Dublin city centre. Ample free parking is available on-site, which includes 7 coach bays for group tours.
There are plenty of public transport options available to visit Malahide Castle from Dublin city. Dublin Bus routes 32 and 42 connect Dublin city center with Malahide village. There is also a direct bus from Dublin Airport to Malahide village on route number 102. The DART, Dublin’s rail network, serves Malahide from a number of city centre stations. The castle is approx. a ten minute walk from Malahide village.
Opening Times
Casino Model Railway Museum
Monday | CLOSED (Open on Bank Holiday Mondays) |
Tuesday | CLOSED |
Wednesday | 10 am–5 pm |
Thursday | 10 am–5 pm |
Friday | 10 am–5 pm |
Saturday | 10 am–5 pm |
Sunday | 10 am–5 pm |
Belfast Airport
Dublin Airport
Shannon Airport
Cork Airport
Belfast Harbour
Dublin Port
Rosslare Harbour
How to find us
The Casino Model Railway Musuem is located a 10 minute drive from Dublin Airport and a 25 minute drive from Dublin city centre. Ample free parking is available on-site, which includes 7 coach bays for group tours.
There are plenty of public transport options available to visit Malahide Castle from Dublin city. Dublin Bus routes 32 and 42 connect Dublin city center with Malahide village. There is also a direct bus from Dublin Airport to Malahide village on route number 102. The DART, Dublin’s rail network, serves Malahide from a number of city centre stations. The castle is approx. a ten minute walk from Malahide village.
The Casino Cottage Orné
A Picturesque Past
Built in the early 19th century by Richard Wogan Talbot, the cottage embodies the “Cottage Orné” style – a romantic, rustic design popularized in England. It’s believed to have served as a shooting lodge or a summer house for the Talbot family, who held considerable influence in Malahide.
Architectural Gem
With its thatched roof, decorative bargeboards, and intricate chimney detail, the cottage is a unique example of this architectural style in Fingal. Its prominent location at the entrance to Malahide has made it a local landmark for over 200 years.
A Changing Role
Over the years, the cottage served various purposes, including a tea room and a craft shop. However, by the late 20th century, it had fallen into disrepair.
Reviews
Reviews
D murphVerified Railway enthusiasts must see Visited this gem of the fry collection in Dublin today with the lads. The location with parking across the road is great and next to the Dart. Any railway enthusiasts need to see this amazing collection of Cyril fry. A tribute to Irish rail history. therichastillVerified Wonderful Collection - A Must for Model Railway Fans! Casino Model Railway Museum has been on my list of places to visit for quite some time so I was excited to visit whilst I was in the Republic of Ireland.I travelled from Dublin on the DART which is the local train service and there are regular trains to Malahide throughout the day. There are also regular buses in the area.The museum is really close to the station and as you leave from the Northbound platform it is on your right and just a couple of minutes away. It is opposite the entrance to Malahide Castle and Gardens.The museum is housed in a beautiful thatched cottage and there is a little bit of history about the building. It is really nicely restored.The Museum is home to the model trains which were built by Cyril Fry who was a former railwayman and model railway enthusiast. There is alot of history about Mr Fry and his family and there are some superb displays of the trains which he built. I was so impressed with the professionalism of his construction.As well as the Fry collection there is also some history about the Irish Railways including the huge network that used to run and then how it was drastically rationalised much like the UK network.I also enjoyed the model railway which depicts four different scenes with trains running through them. They have a small gift shop which I would encourage you to visit.There is also the train simulator where you can practise your driving skills. I tried driving a train from Dublin Connolly to Maynooth. I managed to reach the destination.The staff were really friendly and welcoming and I had a great time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! garethaethwyVerified Model train heaven Stumbled upon a leaflet for the museum almost by accident so being a bit of a nerd this was an almost essential visit! Really easy to get to being 2-3 minutes walk from Malahide's station (served by DART & commuter services from Connolly), & reasonable value too, 7.50 € for adults with discounts for seniors, students, & children.The two ladies on the desk (sorry, can't remember your names) were so helpful & started the visit off with a bit of the history of the building & collection. Exhibits were well laid out with information panels giving some information about the model. Panels on the walls gave a brief history of rail in Ireland & were easy to understand: I would have preferred a bit more detail but then I'm like that & fully understand that this was a museum about the models not the railways!The model railway in the penultimate room was certainly no Miniatur Wunderland but it was an excellent model all the same. I'm pretty sure kids would love the simulator in the last room.I have to say though, it wasn't what I expected, but well worth the trek, & spent some time walking round Malahide, which is a lovely place that I'd not visited thus far on my many trips over to Dublin. Staff were lovely & we ended up talking for what felt like hours after I'd been round ("T" is Ireland remember lol) NewtoncorkVerified Great collection in a sympathetically renovated building. Right next to railway station so very easy to access. Staff very enthusiastic and willing to help. I was astounded by the detail of Cyril Fry's models, the attention to detail is amazing. I can understand why these can't be running, they are now historical reminders of one man's passion and skill and some would be 80 years old now. I easily spent an hour here. Amanda HVerified Beautiful models of trains well worth a visit. Went here today and it was absolutely lovely. Staff were amazing and so friendly and knowledgeable. It's small but plenty to see spotless clean too. Toilet facilities is excellent and Disabled parking. It's next to Malahide train station and malahide Castle is the other side of the road. It's a lovely visit if you are looking for something different you won't be disappointed. Well done to the staff today It's a credit to you all. We will be returning. Quill2005Verified An Amusing Small Museum for Train Fans Located right next to the train station at Malahide and on the way to Malahide Castle, this little museum highlights the 350 train models created by Cyril Fry, an impressive feat. It'll amuse adults and children alike. Try to include a stop here when visiting Malahide Castle. TengieneVerified Скрытая жемчужина 2 min of walking from dart station and opposite Malahide Castle. Model railway collection crafted by Cyril Fry housed in the beautifully restored Casino cottage.Cyril Fry’s hand-made models are possibly one of the most important private collections of miniature railway engines, wagons and carriages ever created.Exhibitions is not big but very interesting, also was a Halloween ghost train hunt, that was very attractive to kids. Facilities are very modern and supportive. BayhanoVerified Great Visit I really enjoyed this. Loved learning about the different locomotives and how the history of the railways developed. The room with the trains running through the different towns of Ireland was like reliving fond childhood memories. Really worth a visit
D murphVerified Railway enthusiasts must see Visited this gem of the fry collection in Dublin today with the lads. The location with parking across the road is great and next to the Dart. Any railway enthusiasts need to see this amazing collection of Cyril fry. A tribute to Irish rail history. therichastillVerified Wonderful Collection - A Must for Model Railway Fans! Casino Model Railway Museum has been on my list of places to visit for quite some time so I was excited to visit whilst I was in the Republic of Ireland.I travelled from Dublin on the DART which is the local train service and there are regular trains to Malahide throughout the day. There are also regular buses in the area.The museum is really close to the station and as you leave from the Northbound platform it is on your right and just a couple of minutes away. It is opposite the entrance to Malahide Castle and Gardens.The museum is housed in a beautiful thatched cottage and there is a little bit of history about the building. It is really nicely restored.The Museum is home to the model trains which were built by Cyril Fry who was a former railwayman and model railway enthusiast. There is alot of history about Mr Fry and his family and there are some superb displays of the trains which he built. I was so impressed with the professionalism of his construction.As well as the Fry collection there is also some history about the Irish Railways including the huge network that used to run and then how it was drastically rationalised much like the UK network.I also enjoyed the model railway which depicts four different scenes with trains running through them. They have a small gift shop which I would encourage you to visit.There is also the train simulator where you can practise your driving skills. I tried driving a train from Dublin Connolly to Maynooth. I managed to reach the destination.The staff were really friendly and welcoming and I had a great time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! garethaethwyVerified Model train heaven Stumbled upon a leaflet for the museum almost by accident so being a bit of a nerd this was an almost essential visit! Really easy to get to being 2-3 minutes walk from Malahide's station (served by DART & commuter services from Connolly), & reasonable value too, 7.50 € for adults with discounts for seniors, students, & children.The two ladies on the desk (sorry, can't remember your names) were so helpful & started the visit off with a bit of the history of the building & collection. Exhibits were well laid out with information panels giving some information about the model. Panels on the walls gave a brief history of rail in Ireland & were easy to understand: I would have preferred a bit more detail but then I'm like that & fully understand that this was a museum about the models not the railways!The model railway in the penultimate room was certainly no Miniatur Wunderland but it was an excellent model all the same. I'm pretty sure kids would love the simulator in the last room.I have to say though, it wasn't what I expected, but well worth the trek, & spent some time walking round Malahide, which is a lovely place that I'd not visited thus far on my many trips over to Dublin. Staff were lovely & we ended up talking for what felt like hours after I'd been round ("T" is Ireland remember lol) NewtoncorkVerified Great collection in a sympathetically renovated building. Right next to railway station so very easy to access. Staff very enthusiastic and willing to help. I was astounded by the detail of Cyril Fry's models, the attention to detail is amazing. I can understand why these can't be running, they are now historical reminders of one man's passion and skill and some would be 80 years old now. I easily spent an hour here. Amanda HVerified Beautiful models of trains well worth a visit. Went here today and it was absolutely lovely. Staff were amazing and so friendly and knowledgeable. It's small but plenty to see spotless clean too. Toilet facilities is excellent and Disabled parking. It's next to Malahide train station and malahide Castle is the other side of the road. It's a lovely visit if you are looking for something different you won't be disappointed. Well done to the staff today It's a credit to you all. We will be returning. Quill2005Verified An Amusing Small Museum for Train Fans Located right next to the train station at Malahide and on the way to Malahide Castle, this little museum highlights the 350 train models created by Cyril Fry, an impressive feat. It'll amuse adults and children alike. Try to include a stop here when visiting Malahide Castle. TengieneVerified Скрытая жемчужина 2 min of walking from dart station and opposite Malahide Castle. Model railway collection crafted by Cyril Fry housed in the beautifully restored Casino cottage.Cyril Fry’s hand-made models are possibly one of the most important private collections of miniature railway engines, wagons and carriages ever created.Exhibitions is not big but very interesting, also was a Halloween ghost train hunt, that was very attractive to kids. Facilities are very modern and supportive. BayhanoVerified Great Visit I really enjoyed this. Loved learning about the different locomotives and how the history of the railways developed. The room with the trains running through the different towns of Ireland was like reliving fond childhood memories. Really worth a visit
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Membership
Explore three iconic Fingal attractions with unlimited visits with annual membership pass!
Offering cardholders unlimited access to all our attractions which includes: Malahide Castle & Gardens (including the Butterfly House and Fairy Trail), Casino Model Railway Museum and also Newbridge House and Farm.
Unlock a year of unforgettable adventures with our Annual Membership Pass.
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