Visiting the Lough Swilly

[Patrick Davey]

Another work trip, which this time brings me to 'Dark Inishowen' (that's the title of a not-so-well-known song). This presents an opportunity to explore the often-overlooked line from Buncrana to Carndonagh, operated by the narrow gauge Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway (LLSR). The line was operational for a relatively short time, opening in 1901 and closing just 34 years later, in 1935. Buncrana itself continued to be served by rail until 1953.

 

Fun fact: the Buncrana - Carndonagh line included the most northerly point on the entire Irish railway map and indeed the station at Rashenny would have been the most northerly station in Ireland. Like all the main LLSR stations, Rashenny station building survives in excellent condition.

 

Buncrana station is now a popular bar/restaurant, with plenty of interest for the railway explorer:

 

After leaving Buncrana, the Carndonagh extension (opened in 1901) curved to the right along the southern edge of the town and presumably began to climb because in a short distance it crossed the Owenkillew River on a 5(?)-arch viaduct, 3 arches of which remain today:

 

Ballymagan station is in great condition, I didn't photograph it though, but here's a nearby bridge:

 

A short distance further is this level crossing house:

 

Then after the rest of the surviving stations, which I wasn't able to photograph on this occasion, the terminus at Carndonagh is reached.  I was able to photograph it as it is a commercial property rather than a private residence.  It clearly illustrates the LLSR 'house style' which is very identifiable in all the other surviving stations.  Really distinctive and attractive buildings they are, and presumably very sturdy too, having lasted for 91 years after closure.

Hopefully I will be able to return to this lovely part of Donegal in the future and visit all the stations.

 

Edited March 23 by Patrick Davey

[Patrick Davey]

Historical photo of the viaduct in Buncrana:

https://www.archiseek.com/1901-railway-viaduct-buncrana-co-donegal/

[seagoebox]

Patrick..... a very useful L&LSR exploration guide is attached...

[Patrick Davey]

Yes indeed to my shame I forgot to bring my Swilly books!!!  That one will be studied closely when I get home.

[jhb171achill]

One of the exceptionally few Irish railway books I don't have (I think!)

[Patrick Davey]

24 minutes ago, jhb171achill said:

One of the exceptionally few Irish railway books I don't have (I think!)

And also one of the exceptionally few Irish railway books that you didn’t write JB!

[Horsetan]

1 hour ago, jhb171achill said:

One of the exceptionally few Irish railway books I don't have (I think!)

 

46 minutes ago, Patrick Davey said:

And also one of the exceptionally few Irish railway books that you didn’t write JB!

 

[Patrick Davey]

Classic!

[Colonel]

They certainly built their structures to last. Really good to see how they have survived. 

[Northroader]

Roger Farnworth has done quite a thorough going survey of a lot of the LLSR in recent years, as well as a lot of other Irish n.g., although not the bit north of Tooban, as far as I can see:

https://rogerfarnworth.com/tag/londonderry-lough-swilly-railway/
 

 

[airfixfan]

11 hours ago, jhb171achill said:

One of the exceptionally few Irish railway books I don't have (I think!)

Can supply you with a copy!

[Horsetan]

2 hours ago, Northroader said:

Roger Farnworth has done quite a thorough going survey of a lot of the LLSR in recent years, as well as a lot of other Irish n.g., although not the bit north of Tooban, as far as I can see:

https://rogerfarnworth.com/tag/londonderry-lough-swilly-railway/
 

 

Yes, he's done practically all of the West Clare and much of the County Donegal