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06 Sept 2025

Meet the Donegal brothers whose family history is intertwined with the railway

'Last of the railway kids' visit the Donegal Railway Heritage Museum

Meet the Donegal brothers whose family history is intertwined with the railway

It was a real trip down memory lane for three Donegal brothers who called into the Railway Heritage Museum in Donegal Town.

Tommy, Danny and Seamus McIntyre have been dubbed 'Last of the Railway Kids' by the team at Donegal Railway Heritage Museum, given how deeply intertwined their family history is with that of the now defunct Donegal railway network.

A spokesperson for Donegal Railway Heritage Museum posted a photo of the brothers standing alongside the iconic Drumboe, a recently restored engine that has pride of place at the museum.

"Tommy and Seamus were born in Killygordon Station, while Danny was born in Cloghan Station," said the spokesperson.

"Their father Willie John McInyre was a Station Master at numerous County Donegal Railway stations right up to closure in 1959."

Housed in the former railway station in Donegal Town, the museum has something for everyone, whatever the weather. From railcars, the Drumboe engine, railway memorabilia and artefacts to video footage of the train steaming through Barnesmore Gap, this visitor attraction perfectly captures and preserves the spirit of Donegal railway.

There is also a coffee shop on site, with tasty treats too, making this a great place to visit for people of all ages, whatever the weather. 

The Donegal Railway Heritage Museum is also playing a big part in the Donegal Town 550th celebrations, having commissioned a wonderful pop up museum. It tells the town’s story in a number of banners and display tables, and can be found in the railcar or on loan at one of a number of locations around the town. 

More information and details of upcoming events and activities can be found on the Donegal Railway Heritage Museum Facebook page.

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