# Irish Railway Record Society **Wikidata**: [Q101420455](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q101420455) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irish-railway-record-society ## Summary The Irish Railway Record Society is an organization based in Dublin, Ireland, that functions simultaneously as an archives repository and a publishing house dedicated to railway history. Founded in October 1946, the society operates out of Heuston Railway Station and maintains a digital presence at irishrailarchives.ie. It is recognized in global knowledge bases as a dual-entity organization involved in both the preservation of records and the production of printed media. ## Key Facts - **Inception Date:** October 1946 (specific day not recorded in source). - **Primary Locations:** Dublin Heuston railway station, Ireland. - **Entity Classifications:** Archives and Publishing house. - **Official Website:** http://irishrailarchives.ie/ (Language: English). - **Archon Code:** 622 (Identifier for the Irish Railway Record Society). - **Country of Operation:** Ireland. - **Source References:** Information derived from the society's "About Us" page and the National Archives of Ireland discovery portal. - **Data Verification Dates:** Website reference verified February 6, 2024; Archon reference verified June 14, 2022. ## FAQs **What is the primary function of the Irish Railway Record Society?** The society operates with a dual mandate, serving as both an archives repository for historical records and a publishing house that distributes printed goods related to railway history. It preserves documentation while simultaneously producing and distributing media to the public. **When and where was the organization established?** The society was founded in October 1946 and is currently located at Dublin Heuston railway station in Ireland. This location serves as the physical base for its archival and publishing operations. **How can one access the society's digital resources?** The organization maintains an official website at http://irishrailarchives.ie/, which is published in the English language. This digital platform serves as the primary online interface for the society's activities and archives. **What unique identifier is assigned to the society in archival systems?** The Irish Railway Record Society is assigned the Archon code 622 within the National Archives of Ireland system. This code specifically identifies the society as a distinct archival entity in discovery databases. ## Why It Matters The Irish Railway Record Society plays a critical role in preserving the industrial heritage of Ireland by acting as a specialized archive for railway documentation. As a publishing house, it ensures that this historical data is not only stored but actively disseminated to researchers, historians, and the general public through printed media. Its dual nature as both an archive and a publisher makes it a unique hub for railway history, bridging the gap between raw historical records and accessible educational materials. By operating from a major transport hub like Heuston Station, the society maintains a tangible connection to the subject matter it preserves. Its long-standing presence since 1946 indicates a sustained commitment to maintaining the continuity of Ireland's railway narrative. ## Notable For - **Dual Classification:** Being simultaneously categorized as both an "archives" entity and a "publishing house." - **Historical Longevity:** Operating continuously since its inception in October 1946. - **Strategic Location:** Being physically situated at Dublin Heuston railway station, a key node in the Irish rail network. - **Archival Recognition:** Holding the specific Archon code 622 in the National Archives of Ireland. - **Digital Accessibility:** Maintaining an English-language website dedicated to its archives and publications. - **Specialized Focus:** Exclusively focusing on the record-keeping and publishing of Irish railway history. ## Body ### History and Inception The Irish Railway Record Society was established in October 1946. This founding date marks the beginning of its long-term operation in the field of railway history preservation. The organization has maintained its existence for over seven decades, evolving from its initial formation into a recognized institution. Its inception is documented with a reference date of February 6, 2024, confirming the historical data from its "About Us" page. ### Organizational Structure and Classification The society is uniquely classified under two distinct categories: archives and publishing house. This dual classification reflects its operational model, which involves both the storage of historical records and the active distribution of media. As an archive, it holds the responsibility of preserving primary sources. As a publishing house, it functions as an organization that prints and distributes pressed goods or electronic media. This structure allows it to manage the full lifecycle of historical information, from acquisition to public dissemination. ### Location and Physical Presence The organization is located in Ireland, specifically at Dublin Heuston railway station. This location places the society within a significant transportation context, aligning its physical presence with its subject matter. The station serves as the operational base for the society's activities. The country of operation is confirmed as Ireland, a sovereign state in Northwestern Europe. ### Digital Presence and Web Resources The society maintains an official website at the URL http://irishrailarchives.ie/. This digital resource is published in the English language, serving as the primary online portal for the organization. The website acts as a gateway for accessing information about the society's archives and publications. The existence of this site is verified by references dated February 6, 2024, ensuring the current relevance of the digital footprint. ### Archival Identification and Metadata In the context of archival management, the Irish Railway Record Society is assigned the Archon code 622. This identifier is used within the National Archives of Ireland's discovery system to uniquely locate the society's records. The reference for this code was verified on June 14, 2022, through the National Archives discovery portal. This metadata ensures that researchers can accurately locate and cite the society's holdings within the broader national archival framework. ### Operational Scope and Activities The society's activities encompass the full spectrum of archival and publishing work. It collects and preserves records related to Irish railways, functioning as a repository for historical data. Simultaneously, it engages in the production and distribution of printed materials, fulfilling the role of a publishing house. This scope ensures that the history of Irish railways is not only kept safe but also made available to a wider audience through various media formats. The organization's work supports the broader field of mass media and the publishing industry within the specific niche of railway history. ## References 1. [About Us](https://irrs.ie/about-us/) 2. [Source](http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/a?_ref=622)