How many places can you get a haircut and explore the golden age of steam travel at the same time? The Johnston family’s decision to combine their traditional barbers skills with their interest in local railway history has led to one of the most unique and fascinating attractions in Northern Ireland. Today, the Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum boasts one of the largest collections of Irish railway memorabilia on display.
A trip to Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum is like taking a remarkable journey into the past bringing the golden age of the railway vividly to life. Visitors start their journey of discovery at the reconstructed Railway Booking Office where the ticket collector invites you to step on board and enjoy the evocative nostalgia, social heritage and amazing artefacts associated with the railways which operated throughout Fermanagh and the Border Counties until their closure in 1957.
Established in 2002, with the help of former railway employees and enthusiasts, the museums purpose is to collect, preserve, and interpret local railway heritage for the benefit of the community. This fascinating historical exhibition looks at the impact which railways had on peoples lives. At a time when the local railway station was the gateway to the wider world the exhibition reveals how railways stimulated exports, provided greater access to education, enabled honeymoons to become part of the wedding celebration, encouraged people to go on seaside holidays, and brought a greater variety of goods to the shops.
However the railways could not have operated without dedicated staff and the exhibition lovingly recreates working environments such as the General Manager’s Office, Station Booking Office and Railway Signal Box. This is complemented by a remarkable collection of railway memorabilia including uniforms, signalling instruments, signs, lamps, tableware, timetables, tickets and photographs from the three railway companies which operated in Co. Fermanagh – The Great Northern Railway (Ireland), The Sligo Leitrim & Northern Counties Railway and The Clogher Valley Railway.
This museum is an historic gem which is continually being enhanced with new exhibits, many of which have been kindly donated by former railway employees. Visitors can affectionately recall the memories, emotional appeal and excitement associated with the bygone age of steam travel. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, former railway employee or just a child brought up on ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’, why not combine your visit with a unique opportunity to have your hair professionally styled in the most nostalgic surroundings.
