One of Donegal's most unique dining experiences awaits at the Railway Tavern in Fahan, where award-winning steaks are cooked over an open fire housed inside an actual steam engine firebox.
The restaurant occupies the former refreshment rooms of Fahan Station on the historic Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway, which served the village from 1864 until its closure in 1948. Today, the building has found new life as a gastropub that celebrates its railway heritage while serving some of the best food in the northwest.
Award-Winning Food
The Railway Tavern has earned serious recognition in recent years:
- Ireland's Steakhouse of the Year 2023 (YesChef Awards)
- Ulster's Traditional Gastropub of the Year 2023 (YesChef Awards)
The signature experience is watching the chef cook your 28-day dry-aged Irish beef on the dramatic open fire grill at the centre of the restaurant. The grill is housed in an actual steam engine firebox, creating a theatrical dining experience that connects directly to the building's railway past.
Beyond steaks, the menu features locally-sourced produce including Donegal crab, mussels, and lamb, all prepared to showcase the best of northwest Ireland's food scene.
A Taste of History
Stepping inside the Railway Tavern is like entering a museum of Inishowen's railway age. The walls are adorned with rare railway artefacts and vintage train memorabilia, while the traditional interior retains much of its original Victorian charm.
The building served as part of the busy Fahan Station complex, which included a goods shed, cattle pens, and a crucial pier connecting rail passengers to the Lough Swilly ferries that crossed to Rathmullan. For decades, this was a key transport hub linking Derry to the communities of Inishowen.
When the railway closed in 1948, the station building survived, eventually becoming the pub and restaurant that stands today. The old fires still blaze in the original fireplaces, creating a cosy atmosphere particularly appreciated during Donegal's colder months.
Planning Your Visit
Address: Station Road, Fahan, Co. Donegal, F93 TVF2
Phone: (074) 936 0137
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 5pm to 9:30pm (last orders)
- Saturday: 2pm to 9:30pm (last orders)
- Sunday: 12:30pm to 8pm (last orders)
Hours may vary for Christmas and Bank Holidays - check the website for current times.
Reservations: Booking is recommended, especially for weekend dining. Reserve online at railwaytavern.ie or call directly.
What Visitors Say
TripAdvisor reviewers consistently praise both the food and atmosphere. As one visitor noted: "Not only is the food excellent but the surroundings are a homage to the old Lough Swilly line." Many mention the traditional music sessions on Sunday evenings as a highlight, adding to the authentic Irish pub experience.
Nearby Attractions
The Railway Tavern makes an ideal stop when exploring the Fahan and Inch Island area:
- Inch Wildfowl Reserve - 8km looped walk for birdwatching (10-minute drive)
- St. Mura's Cross - Ancient carved stone at Fahan (walking distance)
- Buncrana - Seaside town with beach and attractions (5-minute drive)
- Grianan of Aileach - Iron Age stone fort with panoramic views (10-minute drive)
Getting There
From Derry/Londonderry, take the N13 towards Buncrana. After passing Bridgend, turn left at Burt Chapel onto the R239 towards Fahan. The Railway Tavern is on Station Road in Fahan village.
From Buncrana, head south on the R238 for approximately 4km until you reach Fahan.
For more on the railway history of this area, see our article on the restored Victorian photograph of Fahan which captures the village in the 1890s when the railway was at its busiest.