Meet Drumboe
The museum's star exhibit is the shiny red and black steam engine Drumboe, built in 1907 and the only original Donegal steam engine to return to the county. You can climb inside Donegal's only surviving original 120-year-old engine.
Donegal Railway Heritage Museum (Centre)
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About
One of County Donegal's hidden gems, this award-winning museum sits in an original 1889 station house that once served the largest narrow-gauge railway network in the British Isles. It is small, hands-on and built around the restored 1907 steam engine Drumboe.
Things to Do
Drive the interactive cab
Ireland's first full-size interactive railway cab lets kids big and small climb inside and try their hand at driving. It has become the museum's most popular exhibit.
Ride the ride-on train
Weather permitting, a ride-on train (Thomas the Tank) runs down the original Donegal Town railway platform outside.
Models and artefacts
Operational model railway layouts, including the large layout by modeller George Hanna, sit alongside a unique collection of railway artefacts from across the county.
Museum shop and bookshop
The shop sells exclusive Donegal Railway merchandise, books and model trains, with a second-hand railway bookshop on site for collectors.
Coffee at The Weighbridge
The on-site coffee hut, The Weighbridge, serves fresh coffee, tea and tray bakes when you need a break.
Rolling stock and carriages
Coach 58, Railcar 15 and the red and grey Donegal vans tell the story of the narrow-gauge lines. Volunteers are happy to explain the stock's complicated histories.
Audio and video stories
Listen to recordings of people who actually travelled these railways, and watch amateur cine footage shot in 1950s Donegal by enthusiast Norman Champion.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 12noon to 4pm (April-September) or by appointment. Viewings outside normal hours can be arranged by phone or email.
- Admission: Adults €7.50, senior/student €6, child €5, family €16
- Parking: Free car park at the John Bosco Centre next door to the museum. Disabled parking directly outside the museum; bus parking can be arranged on site with advance notice.
- Food: The Weighbridge, the museum's on-site coffee hut, serves fresh coffee, tea and tray bakes.
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