Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum, Enniskillen

Located in Enniskillen County, Fermanagh is one of the most unusual barbers you will ever visit! If you are interested in trains and their history, especially locally, then take a trip to Headhunters barber shop and Railway Museum. If not, it’s still worth a visit. Just see! The best barber museum around? So visit the headhunters for a traditional barber, railway museum, train museum, barber museum or even a haircut. All in one place!

The Origins of Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum

Headhunters was founded by brothers Gordon and Nigel Johnston, two local barbers passionate about the history of railways in Ireland. Their goal was to create a space where they could combine their two interests: offering high-quality barbering services while preserving and showcasing Northern Ireland’s railway heritage. What they accomplished is something far beyond the ordinary.

The barbershop retains the look and feel of a traditional gentleman’s barbershop, with old-fashioned barber chairs, classic mirrors, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The walls, however, tell a different story, as they are lined with railway memorabilia. Posters, station signs, tickets, and photographs fill the space, creating a sense of nostalgia that transports patrons back to the heyday of steam trains and bustling railway stations.

While it may seem unusual initially, pairing a barbershop and a railway museum works surprisingly well. Visitors can take a trip back in time, exploring the golden age of rail travel in Ireland while waiting for or enjoying a haircut. This blend of history and grooming has earned Headhunters a reputation as a barbershop and a significant cultural institution in Enniskillen.

The Railway Museum

Headhunters is home to one of the largest collections of railway memorabilia in Ireland. The museum offers an extensive display of items from the Fermanagh railway system and other parts of Northern Ireland, showcasing a rich chapter of often-overlooked local and national history.

Like much of Ireland, the Fermanagh region was once crisscrossed by an extensive railway network that played a crucial role in its development. From the mid-19th century until the mid-20th century, trains were vital for transporting goods, passengers, and livestock. However, the rise of motorcar and road transport led to the gradual decline of railway services, with many lines closed in the 1950s and 1960s.

The Headhunters Railway Museum preserves the memory of this bygone era, allowing visitors to see various artefacts from the railways. The museum’s collection includes:

• Locomotive nameplates and other identification plates from famous steam engines once operated in the region.
• Old railway tickets and timetables give insight into how passengers once travelled across Ireland.
• Vintage station signs from stations that no longer exist evoke a sense of lost time and the decline of the rail network.
• Uniforms worn by railway staff, from drivers to station masters, offer a glimpse into the lives of those who worked on the railways.
• Photographs and maps document the rise and fall of the railway system in Fermanagh and the wider region.

In addition to the static displays, the museum also tells the story of how the railways shaped the social and economic fabric of Northern Ireland. Visitors can learn about the construction of the railways, the people who worked on them, and the impact that the loss of the rail network had on rural communities.

The Fermanagh Railway Heritage

Like many counties in Ireland, Fermanagh was once served by a rich network of railways. The main lines in the county were part of the Great Northern Railway (GNR), which connected Belfast and Dublin and branched out to other towns and cities in the region.

The first railway line in Fermanagh was opened in 1857, connecting Enniskillen to Dundalk. This line, part of the Irish North Western Railway, brought new opportunities to the area, making transporting agricultural produce and industrial goods easier. The rail network expanded over the next several decades, with new lines linking Enniskillen to Sligo, Clones, and Omagh.

By the early 20th century, Fermanagh was well-connected to the rest of Ireland by rail, and the railways were a vital part of everyday life for people in the county. However, the decline of the railways began in the 1950s, as road transport became more popular and the government sought to cut costs. Many rural railway lines, including those in Fermanagh, were closed during this period, eventually dismantling the entire network.

Headhunters’ collection reflects this loss and its profound impact on local communities. It also aims to keep the memory of Fermanagh’s railway heritage alive, ensuring that future generations can learn about and appreciate this vital chapter of local history.

Barbering at Headhunters

While the railway museum is undoubtedly a significant attraction, Headhunters is still a functioning barbershop. The shop offers a full range of barbering services, from classic haircuts and beard trims to modern styles. The Johnston brothers are highly skilled barbers known for their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction.

The experience of getting a haircut at Headhunters is like no other. While waiting for their turn, customers can browse the museum’s displays, learning about local history and the heritage of the Irish railways. The juxtaposition of modern barbering and vintage railway artefacts creates a unique and memorable atmosphere.

Many regulars come to Headhunters for excellent haircuts and the experience of being immersed in a living museum. The barbershop’s regular customers often say they feel like they’re stepping back when they visit. The sound of scissors cutting through hair is accompanied by the sight of historical photographs, train tickets, and other artefacts that transport them to a different era.

Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives

Beyond being a barbershop and museum, Headhunters plays an active role in the local community. The Johnston brothers are passionate about educating people, especially younger generations, about the importance of Northern Ireland’s railway heritage. The museum offers educational tours for schools, local history groups, and visitors, providing an interactive way to learn about the history of rail transport in Fermanagh and the wider region.

The brothers also regularly organise events and exhibitions highlighting different aspects of railway history. These events often feature guest speakers, historical reenactments, and even railway-themed quizzes, making Headhunters a hub of cultural activity in Enniskillen.

Headhunters has also been involved in campaigns to preserve other historical railway sites and landmarks in the region. The Johnston brothers have worked with local heritage groups to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining Northern Ireland’s railway heritage and have supported efforts to restore old stations and railway lines.

A Visitor’s Experience

A trip to Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum is necessary for those visiting Enniskillen. The shop is in the town centre, making it easy to find and accessible. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a traditional barbershop’s warm, nostalgic atmosphere, combined with the fascinating and extensive railway displays.

The museum is free to enter, although donations are welcome, and it helps support the collection’s upkeep. Visitors can browse the exhibits at their own pace, exploring everything from old tickets to uniforms and photographs. The Johnston brothers are always happy to answer questions and share their knowledge about the displayed items.

For railway enthusiasts, Headhunters is a treasure trove of history, offering a rare and intimate look at a time when railways were the region’s lifeblood. Even those who aren’t particularly interested in trains will find something to enjoy, whether it’s the charming atmosphere of the barbershop or the friendly service provided by the Johnston brothers.

Looking to the Future

As Headhunters continues to thrive, the Johnston brothers remain committed to expanding their collection and furthering their mission of preserving Fermanagh’s railway heritage. They are always looking for new artefacts to add to the museum, and they plan to host more community events, educational tours, and railway-themed exhibitions.

The brothers have also expressed an interest in collaborating with other heritage groups and museums across Ireland to understand Ireland’s railway history better. By working with other organisations, they hope to continue raising awareness of preserving this vital part of Northern Ireland’s past.

In a world where modern conveniences often replace the old, Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum stands as a symbol of the importance of remembering and cherishing history. Whether through a simple haircut or a detailed exploration of railway artefacts, visitors to Headhunters are reminded of the rich cultural and historical heritage that shapes the region.

Conclusion

Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum is more than just a place to get a haircut; it’s a living tribute to Northern Ireland’s railway heritage and a testament to the passion and dedication of the Johnston brothers. Their innovative combination of barbering and history has created a unique experience that draws visitors from afar.

Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a history buff, or simply need a haircut, Headhunters offers something for everyone. Its blend of personal grooming and historical preservation makes it a standout attraction in Enniskillen and a place where visitors can journey through time—in terms of history and style.

Also, check out some of our other blog posts on places we have visited, such as the Titanic Museum, Titanic Dock and Pump House, Down County Museum, Enniskillen Castle Museum, Ulster Folk Museum, SS Nomadic, Carrickfergus Museum, Best Tourist Attractions Around Northern Ireland