A collection of valuable railway badges were donated to the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre recently by a railway tour community.
Táilte Tours made the donation while on their recent “Hills of Donegal” trip.
The donation consisted of over €1600 worth of enamel railway badges to the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre, depicting the County Donegal Railway’s original steam locomotive, No.2 “Blanche”.
A volunteer-led organisation, the badge was created using funds raised from Táilte’s railtour and similar events around Ireland.
Railway enthusiasts will be able to purchase the badge at the centre in Donegal Town, and also on their website www.donegalrailway.com
Táilte Tours is a voluntary-led committee that seeks to raise funds and awareness for Ireland’s smaller railway heritage groups. They aim to do this through the organisation of both mainline railtours and bus tours to places of railway interest.
More details about the group and their tours can be found at www.tailtetours.com.
Alex Richardson of the Táilte Tours committee said: “This exquisitely designed badge celebrates the historic Donegal Heritage Railways Joint Committee steam locomotive No.2 “Blanche”, featuring detailed artwork, right down to the motion. The badge offers a unique keepsake for visitors to Donegal, badge collectors, and railway enthusiasts alike. All proceeds from sales will go directly toward the preservation and restoration of the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre’s collection. By purchasing this badge, supporters can help safeguard this cherished piece of history, ensuring its stories and experiences are preserved for future generations to enjoy.”
