Soon To Be Famous

The award winning Firebox Grill at the Railway Tavern is located on the shores of Lough Swilly, Fahan, Co. Donegal, in the premises of the Railway Tavern which was formally the Station House of the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway Company (L&LSR).

The Firebox Grill at the Railway Tavern

Described as "one of Inishowens hidden treasures" the Firebox Grill offers one of the most homely of Irish welcomes to all it's guests. Offering Á La Carte, Sunday Lunch, Childrens Menu, Wine List which includes a large range of specially selected wines as well as a fully licensed bar. With our famous steaks and ribs cooked to your liking on our open fire grill. Why not come and relax and have a drink in front of our huge open fire while enjoying some of our fine cuisine. We also cater for large groups at any time. - booking in advance is advisable. In addition to our main restaurant we have alternative spaces available for private functions. All events - Weddings, birthdays, christenings,birthdays anniversaries are catered for. Party and buffet menu available.

Live Music
At the Firebox Grill we are pleased to offer live muisc entertainment on select evenings to further enhance The Firebox Grill dining experience. The performers represent the very best of the local talent, all recognised artists, many with international careers to their credit. So, come along and enjoy a few songs and tunes in the cosy ambience of The Firebox Grill.

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

A little bit about our history ~ Opening of the Swilly Line
In early September 1864, the L&LSR opened the new railway line connection from Derry to Buncrana and accordingly Fahan saw its first scheduled passenger and freight service. Beautiful steam locomotives were used on the railway right through until the end of service on 8th August 1953. The coal fireboxes of the locomotives provided the cooking heat for the engineers snacks and tea breaks. The “Swilly Line” as it was affectionately named, brought people on excursions from Derry to Fahan and onto Buncrana for bathing, golf, beach walks or just for an enjoyable day out. In the reverse direction, the catch of Buncrana Fishing Fleet joined the produce of Inishowen Farmers on its way to the bustling Derry markets. The village of Fahan effectively served as the “Port” for the Swilly to Rathmullan and up to Portsalon, using large paddle steamers, two of which were aptly named “The Lake of Shadows” & “Inishowen”. The Railway line itself extended into sidings at the Pier for the transportation of goods and passengers to and from the paddle steamers. Remains of the old Pier are still a feature of our local beach line.

Catering - A Local History
Towards the end of the 1880’s, the resident station master at Fahan was an enterprising character known as James Bond. Mr James Bond earned the distinction of providing Fahan Station with electric light long before any other railway stations in Ireland. He placed a windmill strategically on high ground (Fahan Hill), which drove a small generator to produce the required electricity. His next venture was to provide refreshment facilities and food for the numerous visitors by train, with a view to making a modest profit. News of the venture quickly reached the Board of Directors, who were far from amused, since they had already contracted Miss Kelly to provide such services at the station. When Miss Kelly’s time had passed, the concession was granted to Miss Logue, who continued to look after her numerous visitors for years and operated a small licensed premises. Since you are now seated within the old station area, you can see, that the entrepreneurial flair of Mr. Bond still lives on.