A recent photograph shared on the Fahan, Inch & Burt community Facebook page has reignited interest in one of the area's forgotten industrial relics: the old crane that once stood at Fahan Pier.
The crane, which served the pier for decades, has been preserved and now stands in Donegal town — a reminder of the vital role Fahan Pier once played in the transport network of Inishowen and the wider region.
Fahan Pier: Gateway to Inishowen
Fahan Pier's story is inseparable from the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway (L&LSR), which opened its line from Derry to Fahan in 1864. For over 80 years, the pier served as a crucial transport hub, connecting the railway to ferry services across Lough Swilly.
From Fahan, passengers and goods could travel by ferry to:
- Rathmullan — the main crossing point on the western shore
- Ramelton — serving the Lennon valley
- Portsalon — gateway to the Fanad peninsula
The pier was the point where rail met water, and the crane was essential for loading and unloading cargo between trains and boats.
The Railway Tavern Connection
The Railway Tavern, which still operates today as an award-winning restaurant, began life in 1864 as the refreshment rooms at Fahan Station. It served passengers waiting for trains or ferries, and would have witnessed the crane in daily operation for generations.
Brown's of Inch Island
One of the ferry services that operated from Fahan Pier had a direct connection to Inch Island. The Brown family of Inch ran a ferry service on the lough, and in 1950, the Fahan-Rathmullan ferry route was transferred to their operation.
This meant that for years, anyone travelling from Derry to Fanad or the western shore of Inishowen would pass through Fahan Pier — and many would have been carried across the lough by the Browns of Inch.
Wartime Rebuilding
During World War II, Fahan Pier took on strategic importance. The pier was rebuilt to accommodate military requirements, as the area around Lough Swilly was significant for naval operations. The crane would have been busier than ever during this period.
Where Is the Crane Now?
The original crane from Fahan Pier has been preserved and relocated to Donegal town, where it stands as a monument to the region's industrial heritage.
A scale model of the crane can also be seen at the Inishowen Maritime Museum in Greencastle, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts relating to the maritime history of the peninsula — including items connected to the Lough Swilly ferry services.
The End of an Era
The L&LSR closed its Fahan line in 1953, ending nearly 90 years of railway service. The ferry services continued for some years, but eventually they too ceased as road transport became dominant.
Today, Fahan Pier is a quiet spot — popular with anglers and those enjoying views across the lough. But for generations of Inishowen residents, it was the gateway to the wider world.
A New Crane for a New Era
While the old Fahan Pier crane now stands as a monument in Donegal town, the tradition of pier cranes continues nearby. In 2025, Inch Pier received a brand new crane as part of a €457,500 government investment in Donegal's marine infrastructure — ensuring that island communities can continue to access Lough Swilly for generations to come.
Do you have memories of Fahan Pier, the ferries, or the old crane? We'd love to hear from you — get in touch at [email protected].
Thanks to the Fahan, Inch & Burt community page for sharing the photograph.