Donegal Railway Museum
The Award Winning Donegal Railway Museum 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 operated one of the first railway vehicles with an internal combustion engine in the world.
Uniquely, this fascinating museum celebrating Donegal’s railway heritage is based in one of the few remaining original station houses, which opened in 1889.
The recently refurbished museum comprises of railway rolling stock, including an original 1907 Donegal steam engine, “Drumboe” (the first engine to return to the county in many decades), Ireland’s first interactive railway cab for kids big and small, interesting artefacts, displays, a video presentation, audio presentations, model railways, a reference library, a shop, a coffee hut and much more.
We are also an all-weather attraction; you never know with the Donegal weather, and we are also pet-friendly.
Our Mission
To rescue, restore, showcase, and celebrate the unique railways that once operated across County Donegal by proactively engaging with all through our visitor attraction, making it the best it can be.
History of the Project
It all began in November 1990 when Joe Carroll, a Dubliner working in the fishing industry in Donegal sought employment opportunities outside the fishing trade. The local FÁS officer suggested he carry out some historical research into the County Donegal Railway. This led Joe to investigate the possibility of restoring a suitable length of track for steam train operations. A public meeting to assess local interest attracted some 60 people and from this the South Donegal Railway Restoration Society was formed in January 1991.
Funders & Business Sponsors
The Donegal Railway Heritage Museum, supported by core funding from Pobal, has also received various grants over recent years. Our business sponsors contribute to our mission of rescuing, restoring, showcasing, educating, and celebrating Donegal’s historic railways.
Careers
Keep an eye on our Social Media Feeds for any new jobs.
Our Sustainable Ethos
The Museum has recently had all electric and heating updated to keep our footprint to a minimum, and all waste that can be, is recycled.
Contact Us
Donegal Railway Museum, Tyrconnell Street. Donegal, Co Donegal, Ireland, F94 EE00.
