The 3’ gauge (914 mm) railways of Donegal have always cast a spell over railway enthusiasts. Even though the remaining network was closed back on 01.01.1960, it is still very much alive. There is continuing interest in the Railway, and a great many books have been written about the whole narrow gauge network in the North of Ireland, which at its best totalled 225 miles (362 kms) of route.
This is a short summary of the Donegal system, and what you can see and ride on today. If you would like to learn more about this captivating railway, see the “sources” books listed at the end of this article, all available from The Donegal Railway Heritage Centre - www.donegalrailway.com
The first passenger railway in Ireland was opened in 1834 between Dublin and Kingstown (now called Dun Laoghaire) while the first section of the Londonderry to Strabane railway was opened in 1837.
The network in the North developed gradually. Stranorlar to Strabane, 13.75 miles (22 kms) opened on 07.09.1863, to the Irish standard gauge of 5’ 3” (1600 mm) and converted to 3’ gauge over one weekend in 1894. It closed to passengers 01.01.1960 and to goods on 25.01.1960.
, 18 miles (29 kms) opened throughout on 16.09.1839, and
