Discover Stranorlar: Walks and Local History

Stranorlar combines a distinctive transport location with the River Finn, walking routes and numerous traces of local history. The following highlights give you a practical overview of the town.

The River Finn and Getting Around

The N13 and N15 national roads intersect in Stranorlar. The N15 crosses the River Finn over a five-arch bridge to Ballybofey. The river is therefore a defining feature for getting around locally, and is also known for its nature and use: it is used for fishing and is considered rich in freshwater fish.

The River Finn at Ballybofey and Stranorlar is designated as a Special Area of Conservation to protect salmon and otters. This connects a specific landscape and nature conservation story with the river, which also plays a role in the local transport network.

Routes and Walks

The Drumboe Walkway in Stranorlar restores the traditional connection between Drumboe Lower and Drumboe Woods. The route was officially opened on 16 April 2026. Nearby Drumboe Woods are considered a pleasant place for walks. The Walkway and the Heritage Trail have different focuses: the former restores a specific connection, while the Trail highlights historic sites in the twin towns.

The Ballybofey and Stranorlar Heritage Trail is 4.8 km long and passes through historic sites, offering a way to discover the history, culture and architecture of the twin towns. At the historic sites, visitors can access the associated stories using an internet-enabled device. As a result, the stories, as well as the route segments, form part of the Trail.

Churches and Local Heritage

The history of the Presbyterian congregation in Stranorlar goes back a long way: it has officially existed since 1709, with roots dating back at least to 1675, when a meeting house already stood there. An important date in the town’s church architecture is 1877, when the Reformed Presbyterian Church was built. It is an important part of Stranorlar’s social history and religious diversity, and is still used for its original purpose.

The Church of Ireland and the Catholic church add to this picture with clearly documented construction dates. St. John’s Church of Ireland was built between 1729 and 1733 and extended in 1863 and 1897. The Church of Mary Immaculate was built between 1857 and 1862; its tower was completed in 1897. It is considered the only known commission by the architect Nicholson in Ireland.

Stranorlar Catholic Cemetery was originally established around 1820. Its gravestones come in various forms, including Celtic high-cross types. Another visible piece of transport and art history can be found in Stranorlar Clock Tower: the restored Stranorlar railway station clock is housed there.

Railway History and Drumboe

Stranorlar railway station played a significant role in emigration. People travelled by train to Derry and continued from there by ship to various parts of the world. A precisely dated event in railway history followed on 3 June 1885: on that day, the first train to Glenties departed from Stranorlar railway station.

Isaac Butt’s grave is also in Stranorlar. His remains were brought there by train and buried under the tree where he used to sit and dream as a boy. On the western side of Stranorlar lies the site of Drumboe Castle, now a car park for Drumboe Wood managed by Coillte. If you plan to use the car park when travelling there, check the situation before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Dunfanaghy, Portsalon, Rossnowlagh, Doocharry, Gortiness, An Charraig, Ramelton, Speenoge.

For the main travel overview: County Donegal.