Official Opening of Foyle Valley Railway Museum’s Interpretive Centre

Following receipt of grant-aid through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Foyle Valley Railway Museum’s Interpretive Centre undertook significant refurbishment and renovations to the physical structure of the Museum building.

Foyle Valley Railway Museum’s Interpretive Centre is operated by Destined, a voluntary charitable organisation that seeks to address the needs of people with learning disabilities in a whole life context. The Project also provided opportunities for Destined’s Tour Guides (all people with Learning Disabilities) to access and undertake training as well as supporting the development of the Interpretive Centre and its Inaugural Exhibition.

The Opening Ceremony of Foyle Valley Railway Museum’s Interpretive Centre was performed by Mayor Cllr. Sandra Duffy, DCSDC, on Wednesday 21^st September 2022, at an event hosted by Destined in the North West Learning Disability Centre - followed by a guided Tour of the museum.

Initially opened in 1990 and operated by Derry City Council (now Derry City and Strabane District Council), the lease for the museum building was secured by Destined in August 2016, who reopened the museum which had been closed to the public since 2002.

Foyle Valley Railway Museum’s Interpretive Centre is dedicated to telling the rich railway history of the city and surrounding area. At the heart of the exhibition is a recreated railway station platform including the majestic County Donegal Railway steam locomotive “Columbkille”. Within the displays visitors can find out about the various railway companies which once operated out of the city. The fascinating stories of the rise and fall of the railways in Derry are told in the museum through exhibitions of memorabilia, including some actual trains. Visitors can even take the opportunity to take a ride on a real County Donegal Railway diesel train along a two-mile stretch of track alongside the River Foyle. The grounds of the museum are also adjacent to a Riverside park and picnic area.

This celebration is a culmination of ongoing investment in the museum and the ongoing symbiotic relationship between Destined and everyone who contributed to and supported the Project.