Donegal station was opened on 16th September, 1889. It was built by a separate company from the West Donegal Railway which had run out of money while building its line from Stranorlar through the the Barnesmore Gap, ending abruptly at Druminin about four miles short of its intended destination. Donegal station soon became a junction, the branch line on to Killybegs continuing the route westwards and, subsequently, a southwards branch following the shore of Donegal Bay to the popular tourist town of Ballyshannon. The station offices still stand and are now the local offices of Bus Eireann.