The original line
The Giant's Causeway Tramway, operated by the Giant's Causeway, Portrush and Bush Valley Railway & Tramway Company Ltd, was a pioneering 914 mm (3 ft) narrow gauge electric railway that ran between Portrush and the Giant's Causeway. The line was 9+1⁄4 miles (14.9 km) long and was billed at its opening as "the world's first long electric tramway". It was pioneered by the WA Traill and powered by hydroelectricity from an elevated third rail, although in earlier years steam tram locomotives were also used, and in 1899 the power supply was transferred to catenary lines. In 1883 it was opened to Bushmills, then on 1 July 1887 it was extended to the Causeway. The track closed at the end of the 1949 season on Friday 30 September and was subsequently dismantled.
New track
The new railway uses equipment originally put together by Lord O'Neill for the tourist line at Shane's Castle in Country Antrim, which closed in 1994. The idea of using it to revive part of the tram line was largely conceived and championed by David Laing. The Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Railway Company is a not-for-profit organization with charitable status. Clearing of the track bed began at the end of 1999 and the first passengers rode the railway at Easter 2002.
On 10 July 2010, the railway took delivery of a specially modified 4-car diesel set capable of carrying up to 90 passengers. It was produced by Severn Lamb UK Ltd. and has been designed to enhance the experience of visitors to the North Antrim coast, recreating as much as possible the passenger experience of the original hydroelectric tramway. The manufacturer's commissioning of the new fleet began on Monday 12 July and the inaugural drive took place three days later. The DMU is powered by a Kubota V3600-E3 engine and shares track with the previous steam rolling stock. All vehicles ride on chassis. The motor vehicle is on the Causeway side and is shorter (4 windows) than the three trailers (5 windows).