Parsontown and Portumna Bridge Railway
Introduction
Known as 'The Stolen Railway' this line was only open between 1868 and 1878 when the Great Southern and Western Railway withdraw as the line's operator. Maintenance ceased about 1883 when a new operator could not be found. The line was then stripped by creditors and others with the track, ballast, station buildings and even platforms removed. Some bridges remain today. About 1900 Parsontown reverted to the name Birr.
Dates
| / /1861 | Parsontown and Portumna Bridge Railway Incorporated. |
| / /1868 | Parsontown and Portumna Bridge Railway Opened from Parsontown to Portumna, with the branch continuing a little further west to a pier on Lough Derg. Worked by the Great Southern and Western Railway. |
| / /1878 | Parsontown and Portumna Bridge Railway Great Southern and Western Railway withdraws as operator. |
| / /1883 | Parsontown and Portumna Bridge Railway Maintenance of line ceases. Movable assets stripped by creditors and others. Thus known as the 'Stolen Railway'. |
