Ferns Crane was built in the 1860s by Bray Waddington & Co. New Dock Works, and is one of only four known surviving examples from this manufacturer.
Once a vital part of daily life on the Irish railways, this cast-iron crane stood sentinel at Ferns Station, Co. Wexford, from the station’s opening on November 16, 1863. Installed by the Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford Railway Company, the crane would have handled everything from agricultural produce to machinery, playing a central role in the local economy during the golden age of rail transport.
Crucial to this project is the expertise of Dr. Colin Rynne of University College Cork, one of Ireland’s foremost industrial archaeologists. UCC has proudly taken the restoration on as one of its Community Projects for 2025 further deepening the crane’s connection to Irish scholarship and heritage.
The crane was generously donated by Irish Rail to the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway Company CLG for preservation. In addition, the Heritage Council has awarded the Community Heritage Grant Scheme to WSVR to support the restoration of the 5-ton manual goods crane.
The physical restoration is now underway at Rock Forging Iron Crafts in Gallonboy, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan. The company will ensure that the crane, with its massive gearing, elegant hand-forged curves, and proud industrial lines, is brought back to its visual state.
For the WSVR and its supporters, the restoration is all about honoring memory, place, community heritage, and the hidden machines that once worked for the railways.
WSVR takes great pride in being a community hub where the rich history of Waterford and Ireland is cherished and preserved. We are committed to ensuring that the stories of the past are never forgotten, and we continue to work tirelessly to honor and remember our shared heritage.
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