This is a historical gem. So much information in the form of old tickets, photographs, paintings, newspaper cuttings, station masters hat, old signs. It’s SO interesting.
VisitDonegal 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
DonateDonation & memberships are our primary way to support our goal to preserve and conserve our local history.
Ways to support
VolunteerDo 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.
Volunteering-
Station House
Read MoreThe 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…
Railcar 15
Read MoreThe County Donegal Railway pioneered the use of diesel railcars introducing the first one in 1931. Quite sophisticated articulated units were brought in over the…
Coach 58
Read MoreCoach 58 was one of the three most modern on the whole of the Irish narrow gauge lines and came to the County Donegal on…
Garden
Read MoreOur lovely garden is set between the station house and coaches. With picnic benches it’s the perfect place to sit with a cup of tea.
Railcar Trailer 5
Read MoreRailcar Trailer 5 was secured for restoration in the Summer of 1994. It was discovered by the local photographer the late Conor Sinclair at Doochary,…
Upcoming Events
In the news
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18
Oct
The Donegal Steam Engine returns Home!
Read more12th October 2021 History was made last weekend when the historic Donegal Steam Engine Drumboe, returned to Donegal Town. Early on Saturday morning, Drumboe was
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18
Oct
“THE LOUGH SWILLY REMEMBERED” – Available NOW to Pre-Order!
Read more“THE LOUGH SWILLY REMEMBERED” – Available NOW to Pre-Order! Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is delighted is announce the publification of a new railway book, titled
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09
Oct
Exclusive Drumboe Christmas Tree decoration launched!
Read moreTo celebrate the return of the famous Donegal Steam Engine Drumboe, we have commissioned this exclusive Drumboe Christmas decoration, which will be a great addition
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01
Oct
History being made as historic engine, set for return!
Read moreHistory will be made on Saturday 9th October, as the first original Donegal Steam Engine is set to return to the County in decades. The
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29
Jul
Our Phone Lines are down but we are still Open!!
Read moreOur Phone lines are down for the new few days as we wait on a technician, but we are still here, so just come on