Donegal Railway Heritage Centre facts for kids
| Ionad Oidhreachta Iarnróid Dhún na nGall | |
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| Location | Tyrconnell Street, Donegal, Ireland |
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| Type | railway museum |
| Owner | County Donegal Railway Restoration Ltd |
| Public transit access | Abbey Hotel bus stop |
The Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is a super interesting museum in Donegal Town, Ireland. It celebrates the history of the old railways in County Donegal. These railways were special because they used a "narrow-gauge" track. This means the tracks were closer together than regular train tracks.
A group called the County Donegal Railway Restoration Society helped bring the centre to life. It opened in 1995 and is located in the original old train station building. Today, it's a popular place for visitors. You can explore the museum, get information, and even visit the shop. Inside, you'll see old train cars, historical items, and watch videos about the railway's past.
What was the County Donegal Railway?
From 1863 to 1959, a group called the County Donegal Railways Joint Committee ran two special train lines in County Donegal. These lines used a type of track called 'narrow-gauge'. This meant the tracks were closer together than normal train tracks. It helped trains travel through tricky landscapes.
The Donegal Railway Heritage Centre helps us remember these important railways. It shows how trains helped people and goods move around County Donegal for many years.
Cool Trains and Cars
The centre owns several pieces of "rolling stock." This is a fancy name for all the vehicles that run on railway tracks, like trains and carriages. Some of these are already fixed up, and others are still being restored.
- "Drumboe" Locomotive: This is a Class 5 steam engine built in 1907. It has been fully restored and looks amazing!
- Carriage #28: This passenger car is from 1893. It's part of the Series 2 carriages and has also been beautifully restored.
- Railcar #15: Built in 1936, this special train car is currently being restored.
- Trailer #5: This trailer, made in 1929, is also waiting to be restored so visitors can see it in its former glory.
See also
- List of heritage railways in the Republic of Ireland
