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…
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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10
Jun
Launch of “The County Donegal Remembered”
Read moreDonegal Railway Heritage Centre is delighted to announce the publication of a new railway book, titled “The County Donegal Remembered”, by Jim McBride. Jim has
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30
May
Abbey Hotel becomes latest Business Member.
Read moreDonegal Railway Heritage museum is delighted to announce that the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town has become a Business Member, to support one of Donegal’s
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29
Apr
Railway Museum success with Heritage Council Fund
Read moreThe Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is delighted to announce that it has been successful in in a recent application for funding to the Heritage Council.
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14
Apr
WE’RE HIRING!
Read moreVacancy – Part-Time Finance Administrator & Company Secretary Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is seeking a Part-Time Finance Administrator & Company Secretary, funded by Pobal. The
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11
Mar
The Lough Swilly Remembered Talk at Dunfanaghy Workhouse!
Read moreOur Swilly Railway talk comes to Dunfanaghy Workhouse on Saturday 26th March, 2pm. See poster for booking details. Saturday 26th March, 2pm, Admission €5. Tel: