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Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is considered one of the county’s hidden gems and is located just 300 metres from Donegal Town Centre. Donegal had the largest narrow-gauge railway network in the British Isles, and uniquely, amongst steam engines and railcars, operated one of the first railway vehicles with an internal combustion engine in the world. This fascinating museum celebrating Donegal’s railway heritage is based in one of the few remaining original station houses, which opened in 1889. The museum which has just been upgraded comprises railway rolling stock, interesting artifacts, displays, a video presentation, model railways, a reference library, a shop and much more, including that famous Donegal welcome!
Our Museum
Donation & memberships are our primary way to support our goal to preserve and conserve our local history.
Ways to support
Do you have a passion for local history or a special skill you can use to help keep our museum fresh? Get involved in our volunteer program.
VolunteeringOur Buildings
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Railcar 15
The County Donegal Railway pioneered the use of diesel railcars introducing the first one in 1931. Quite sophisticated articulated units were brought in over the…
Railcar Trailer 5
Railcar Trailer 5 was secured for restoration in the Summer of 1994. It was discovered by the local photographer the late Conor Sinclair at Doochary,…
Station House
The former Donegal Town Station houses a small museum with illustrated wall-boards, scale-models and railway memorabilia. Built: 1885 – 1895 Description Detached three-bay two-storey triple-pile former…
Upcoming Events
“Lough Swilly Remembered A forgotten Irish Railway” – Talk at Carndonagh
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In the news
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14 Mar
Easter Family FunDay is back – Saturday 8th April 2023!
Read moreDonegal Railway Heritage Centre is delighted to announce that its famous “Easter Family Funday” is back again, bigger and better than ever before. The Easter
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02 Feb
“Railway Crane Donated to Museum”
Read morePRESS RELEASE 2nd February 2023 “Railway Crane Donated to Museum” It has just been announced that an original railway crane has been donated and
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15 Sep
Halloween Fun Day @ Donegal Railway Centre”
Read more“Halloween Fun Day @ Donegal Railway Centre” One of Donegal’s favourite and popular annual family events returns again this year with Donegal’s Railway Centre’s famous
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26 Aug
Fine Dining & Music at Donegal Railway!
Read moreDonegal Railway Heritage Centre was delighted to host a unique night at our museum of fine dining and music till the late hours at the
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18 Aug
Restored Donegal Steam Engine Officially Unveiled!
Read moreHistory has been made in County Donegal with the historic Donegal Steam Engine Drumboe installation, being officially launched after her return home several months ago to
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What our visitors saying about their experience
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“Brilliant place to visit 👍”
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“Definitely a hidden gem in Donegal Town. Lovely staff with some great railway memorabilia. Well worth a visit”
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“Staff were very informative, museum was just brilliant and the video was unreal-great experience ;)”
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“A gem of vintage rail preservation and presentation. A highlight of a visit to Donegal Town”