Finished my project and have handed it in yesterday 15/4/2015.
I enjoyed all the research and found it very interesting especially the trip to the Public Records Office in Belfast. A thank you to all the staff at the various libraries, Newry, Warrenpoint, Armagh, Downpatrick and Ballynahinch.

I have taken this photograph of the remaining part of the Tramway in Rostrevor 8 April 2015 

Some books I have used in my research.

Like everyone I need to stop the research and begin writing.  A lot of information on the railways and their closure.  Have had to collate information on employment at the time as no statistics are available, but it is quite interesting looking at the various trades  and types of employment which are lost.  Hotel work has also changed a lot to say noting about transport and tourism.

Have contacted Darra Best re my project. Unfortunately he did not cover my area of topic but was very grateful he answered my email.  I have also had a reply from Charles Friel who has been more than helpful with statistics. Charles is a member of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland and a great source of information.  He has recommended books and has sent me charts.  Many Thanks Charles for all  your help. Like everyone I now need to settle down and start sorting my research and writing up my project.

Appointment next Tuesday 31 at Newry Museum to look at street directories which may help with my research on employment trends.

I have found a brilliant video on YouTube "More Newry Railway and Stations" . records a lovely trip to Warrenpoint on the train and also tells of the Train disaster of 1889.

More Newry Railway and Stations

Thursday 12 March 2015 visited PRONI.  There was a  lot of information on the Railways  in general but only found a few items relating to tourism in the area during the period of the railway being opened. Also found references to the closure of the NWRR back in 1962 although it did not close until 1965.

Wednesday 4 March researched PRONI website and have gathered enough information and reference details to make a visit soon.

Monday 16th February check Ros Daveis Site stated Newspaper records on NWRR Company which were in the Down Recorder were held in Ballynahinch  Library went down but it has all been moved to Downpatrick.  Drove on to Downpatrick Library and visited their Heritage Gallery.  Not open but one of the librarians let me in and I was able to access the newspaper micro films.  Good day eventually got more information on the railway application to government, article about the storm which washed away the tram line to Rostrevor etc.

Visited Newry Museum today  regarding my topic. I have logged onto the  Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in the hope that they will be able to provide me with some statistics. Nothing on the website so I will email them.
I have seen a article which may be of interest of Judith so have sent her a email. it is called  A Step in Time: The Story of Irish Dance.

Research in SRC Library - Armagh to Warrenpoint Railway disaster 1889.  Information found in Landownership in South-West Down publication  records in the first half of the 20th century, Warrenpoint continued to be a popular destination for tourists and day trips. Evidence of the town's popularity can be found in a document from the Reside Collection which recorded passenger numbers from organised excursions to Warrenpoint in the 1924 summer season recorded a  total of 39,145 passengers having visited the town. (Landownership in South-West Down p8)

Train leaving Warrenpoint Station courtesy of Warrenpoint Forum 4/2/2015

Warrenpoint Railway Station courtesy of Old Warrenpoint Forum 4/2/2015

Tuesday 3 February visited Newry Museum re topic appointment for Thursday 12th February with Shane  McGivern

Friday 30th January 2015 visited Newry City Library Heritage Collection spoke to Catherine re Economic History in the area. Catherine suggested the book "An Economic history of Ulster 1820-1939" Edited by Liam Kennedy and Philip Ollerenshaw.

I visited Irish & Local Studies Library in Armagh on Thursday 29th January 2015. I researched a number of books on the Newry, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor Railway (NWRR) and on its rise and progress.  I searched to see if there were any statistics on employment in the area during the initial setting up of the railway.  I looked at the various opportunities for employment and the different areas that were available at the time for example hotel work, constructing the railways and pleasure boating.

My preliminary research

I have started my research by visiting SRC Library and spoke to the Head Librarian about my topic which is on economy and the railways he has suggested a book.   The book is for research purposes only and cannot be taken out of the library therefore I will look through it  and see if there is any information which is relevant to my topic. The library also has  a file on the railways in the area which I will copy if relevant to my topic.