As many people across Donegal and further afield will know, 2023 was an important anniversary for the County, as it was 70 years since the main railway lines and stations across the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway closed. The railway opened in 1853, closed in 1953, with the Swilly Bus Company continuing until 2014. It operated 99 miles of railway using the largest steam locomotives on any Irish narrow gauge.  To commemorate this special event, Donegal Railway Museum have commissioned a limited edition 70^th Anniversary railway badge which is now available for sale, and free to renewing Members. Every year the Museum produces a new badge, which have become in their own right, a collector’s item for local people and those who have an interest in railways.

We have taken the original Swilly logo and tweaked it with the addition of a “70^th” number and a railway track, for this special limited edition. The Badge is also attached to a card with a lovely photograph of a Swilly locomotive and some additional history about this famous railway. It’s something people will wear with pride, but also to show support for our great railway heritage and for the work of Donegal Railway Museum. The badge is priced at just €8 plus P&P, but is free to all renewing Members (whilst stocks last) from today. We are fortunate to have many members who show their support by taking out annual membership, where it be Individual/Student/OAP or Business Membership. We thought that the production of this unique badge would be good way to commemorate the anniversary, but also as a gift to renewing Members to thank them for their support. Membership income amongst other things helps to sustain the museum, which is a registered charity, in its work in rescuing, restoring, showcasing, engaging and celebrating this unique part of our culture.”

This badge follows on from our Swilly  locomotive No 14  and previous to this, CDR Railcar No 1 badge which are still available.

This striking eye-catching badge is 30mm across, showing the logo in Swilly dark green, with part of a railway track and “70th” added. The badge also has a butterfly clutch at the back, to attach it to a garment, etc.  As we learnt from previous year’s badges, as it is a limited edition and exclusive to us, demand is again expected to be strong!

Cost: €8 plus €3 for P&P = €11