Overview
The Owencarrow River is the principal outflow from the waters of Lough Veagh, carving a clear, fast-moving channel through National Parks in County Donegal. Though the river itself is only about four miles long, it connects Lough Veagh to Glen Lough before eventually making its way to the Atlantic near Doe Castle. The river is a vital ecological corridor, supporting a diverse range of aquatic life, and serves as a major focal point for walkers, history buffs, and anglers exploring this corner of Ulster.
Walking the Lakeside Trail
The most popular way to experience the river is by walking the Glenveagh Lakeside Walk. This 3.5 km linear trail (7 km out-and-back) takes about 40 minutes one way and follows a mostly flat gravel path. Starting at the bus shelter near the Glenveagh Visitor Centre (Grid Ref: C 039231), the route begins with views of the valley and winds along the shores of Lough Veagh.
The trail guides walkers through stands of mature Austrian pines and native broadleaved trees such as holly, rowan, and birch. Along the way, you will pass a wooden, shingle-roofed boathouse before reaching a footbridge spanning the Owencarrow River.
The Sustainable Footbridge
Constructed by park staff, this bridge uses seasoned larch timber for its structural supports and recycled plastic decking for the walkway. It provides an excellent vantage point to look down into the river’s exceptionally clear waters. Beyond the bridge, the landscape transitions into open blanket bog and wet heath. Though largely treeless, these wet peatlands host highly specialised flora and fauna. The trail eventually concludes at the manicured gardens of Glenveagh Castle, where walkers can purchase a ticket at the castle reception to catch a return shuttle bus back to the visitor centre.
The Owencarrow Viaduct & The 1925 Disaster
Further downstream, the river valley is spanned by the historic Owencarrow Viaduct. This 400-yard-long structure was built as part of the narrow-gauge Burtonport extension of the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway. For decades, it served as an essential arterial link connecting the remote communities of West Donegal with the rest of Ireland, carrying passengers, goods, and migratory workers heading to hiring fairs or Scottish agricultural fields.
However, the viaduct’s exposed position in the wind-swept valley made it vulnerable to extreme weather. On the night of January 30, 1925, a severe gale with winds estimated between 106 and 120 mph struck the region. As the 5:15 p.m. “bread train” from Derry to Burtonport crossed the viaduct at approximately 10 mph, a sudden, violent gust lifted two passenger carriages off the rails.
One carriage somersaulted, its roof smashing to pieces and throwing the occupants into the rocky ravine 40 feet below. Four passengers lost their lives: Philip and Sarah Boyle of Arranmore Island, Una Mulligan from Falcarragh, and Neil Duggan from Meenbunowen. Eight others were seriously injured.
Despite the chaos and howling storm, the train’s fireman, John Hannigan, scrambled over the wreckage and ran more than two miles in the dark to Creeslough to raise the alarm. Local doctors, priests, and volunteers rushed to the scene, navigating the dark ravine with only hurricane lamps to rescue survivors. Following an official inquiry, strict safety regulations were introduced: heavy ballast was added to all trains on the line, and a wind gauge was installed to halt rail traffic if wind speeds exceeded 80 mph.
Memorial and Community Heritage Plans
In 2021, a memorial monument dedicated to the victims of the disaster was officially opened by Ben McFadden. Today, the voluntary Owencarrow Viaduct Committee is working on phased plans to preserve the heritage of the site and improve visitor access.
With assistance from local landowner Joe Sweeney, volunteers have cleared a pathway from the nearby picnic area toward the viaduct, helping to integrate the site with the local greenway network. The committee’s long-term vision includes a safe pathway leading directly to the viaduct, a potential pedestrian walkway enclosed in glass paneling along the historic rail line, and a visitor centre near the Log Cabin pub. This centre aims to display recovered railway memorabilia and educate visitors on the history of the Swilly Railway.
Angling on the Owencarrow
The four-mile stretch of the Owencarrow River between Lough Beagh and Glen Lough is highly regarded by fly-anglers. Managed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) Ballyshannon, the river features deep, slow-moving pools that fish exceptionally well when a stiff breeze allows for a drawn fly.
The fishery operates under strict conservation rules:
- Season: 12th May to 30th September.
- Catch and Release: All salmon and any sea trout measuring 40 cm or over must be safely released back into the water.
- Gear: Anglers must use single or double barbless hooks only. Worm, bait, shrimp, and prawn fishing are strictly prohibited.
- Bag Limit: A maximum of three sea trout under 40 cm may be kept per day.
Anglers must fish with only one rod at a time and are expected to follow traditional river etiquette. This includes starting at the top of a pool and moving downstream at a steady pace (one cast, one step), ensuring a respectful distance is maintained from other anglers. Permits must be purchased in advance and carried at all times.
Practical Information
Permit Fees & Fishing Details
- Adult Day Permit: €30
- Juvenile Day Permit (Under 16): €17
- Fishing Season: 12 May – 30 September
Glenveagh Visitor Centre & Shuttle Bus Hours
- Winter (November – March): 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Last bus to the castle leaves at 3:45 pm; last return bus is at 4:45 pm.
- Summer (17 March – 31 October): 9:15 am – 5:30 pm. Last bus to the castle leaves at 4:45 pm; last return bus is at 5:45 pm.
Contact Information
- Glenveagh National Park: +353 76 100 2537 (Email: glenveaghbookings@ahg.gov.ie)
- Inland Fisheries Ireland (Ballyshannon Office): +353 71 985 1435 (24-hour hotline for reporting illegal fishing: 0818 347424)
Before setting out on the Lakeside Walk, check the local weather forecast at the visitor centre, as high winds can frequently sweep through the exposed valley.