McKinney's Railway Bridge River Foyle - 7 Aug 2025 - v1
The townlands of Island More & Corkan Island together form an island located in the middle of the River Foyle in the Parish of Clonleigh, Co. Donegal, Republic of Ireland.
The island from top to bottom is approx 3 miles (4.8km) long while Corkan Island to the North is 109 acres and approx 1.58 miles (2.5km) long. Island More to the South is is 177 acres and 1.42 miles (2.2km) long. The widest part of the island is approx 0.29 mile (0.46km). The island bisects the River Foyle and the border at this location runs down the middle of eastern tributary of the river, so the island is firmlay located in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). A significant portion of the border between NI and ROI runs not more than 50-60m from the islands two lateral shores from either jurisdiction. The river Foyle is formed at the confulence of the River Mourne & River Finn at Lifford / Strabane and flows through Derry / Londonderry and into Lough Foyle.
The Londonderry and Enniskillen Railway (L&ER) line began construction in 1845 at Derry / Londonderry from the terminus at Foyle Road (Derry City) with the station being opened on 18 April 1850. The line following the west bank of the River Foyle southwards for 12 miles (19 km) to Strabane, which was reached in 1847. This was a 5ft 3 in (1,600 mm) Irish gauge line which eventually ran from L/Derry to Portadown via Omagh and to Enniskillen. The line crosses the border into the ROI east of Carrigans continuing along the west bank via St Johnston, Carrickmore and Porthall afterwhich it crosses the River Foyle onto the island via the two metal railway bridges, the Red Bridge (North at Glenfad) onto Corkan Island, again leaving Island More via McKinney’s railway bridge back into NI and into Strabane station.
This line contined from Strabane to Sion Mills, Trafalgar (a private station), Victoria Bridge, Newtonstewart, Mountjoy Halt, Omagh, Fintona Junction, Fintona, Dromore Road, Trillick, Bundoran Junction, Ballinamalard, Gortaloughan Halt & Enniskillen.
The 'Red Bridge' (North at Glenfad) near Porthall is still accessible as a road bridge onto the island, predominately used by the farming community and the gravel extraction company. Seven groups of three iron doric circular columns remain that would have supported the steel lattice-bracing of McKinney’s Railway Bridge to the north of Island More which was built c.1880 and replaced an earlier wooden structure dated c.1847, the remains of which can still be seen a small distance up-stream from McKinney’s bridge.
McKinney’s railway bridge was demolished by the British Army during the Northern Ireland 'Troubles' as where many small cross-border roads (unapproved roads). The intention was to make these roads impassable and prevent paramilitary movements across the border thus forcing vehicles to use the main roads which were subject to security checks.
'McKinney's Bridge' crosses the River Foyle which forms the border between NI and the ROI, hence the reason why this bridge was demolished and is now unusable. These remote crossing points were also exploited by smugglers, either running the railway bridge crossings with illegal goods, produce or livestock or althenatively navigating the narrow shallow river crossings including beneath the railway bridges in rowing boats.
The Irish gauge 5ft 3 in (1,600 mm) Londonderry and Enniskillen Railway (L&ER) reached Strabane in 1847, the station opened 19 April 1847, however revenue from the line was substantially lower than initially projected and capital to extend the line further south was not raised until 1850. The line was continued up the Mourne Valley from Strabane to Sion Mills station opening on the 9 May 1852. Victoria Bridge also opened on 9 May 1852 from where the river changed its name from the Mourne to the River Strule. the line continued up stream towards Newtownstewart station which also opened on 9 May 1852. Omagh station opened, 13 September 1852.
The line reached its summit at Fintona, County Tyrone, in 1853. Its final extension was from Fintona Junction which was just north of Fintona town, descending South-westwards its terminus at Enniskillen which was reached in 1854.
The Great Northern Railway Ireland (GNRI) took over L&ER in 1883.
A 7.2 mile (11.5 km) long tramway on 3’ 0” gauge rail ran from Victoria Bridge to Castlederg via Glen, Stonewalls, Fyfin, Crew, Spamount and then into Castlederg which opened on 4 July 1884 and closed 7 April 1933.
Most of the “Derry Road” rail route as it was known between Derry / Londonderry and Portadown was closed on 15 February 1965. This closure was part of a wider plan to reduce railway lines in Northern Ireland, by the Ulster Transport Authority (UTA) as outlined in The Benson Report.
Despite the ravages of time much evidence of a once-great enterprise still remains in the form of the old embankments, cuttings, bridges and station buildings. It’s a feature of some historic interest in the landscape, acting as a reminder of the railway and the great age of steam that once existed.
Railway Bridges
Between Newtownstewart and Strabane several of the earlier cast-iron girder trellis bridges, which in turn replaced the original timber bridges put up by the Londonderry & Enniskillen Railway Company (L&ER). Approximately 185 of them were replaced between 1910 to 1912 by enclosed troughs of riveted iron sheets, supported on massive steel girders, current examples include Camus Bridge, replaced 1911, Breen Bridge and Mulvin Bridge.
Marsh woundwort - Stachys palustris.
Description
Marsh Woundwort is an erect perennial plant that can grow up to 80cm in height. As with other members of the Stachys genus, the solid stems of Marsh Woundwort have a square cross section. The stems are noticeably hairy, particularly in the upper region of the plant.
Marsh Woundwort, scientifically known as Stachys palustris. It's characterized by pink-purple flowers, individual flowers are about 12-15mm in size arranged in tall spikes and is known for attracting bumblebees. This plant, also called Marsh Hedgenettle or Hedge-nettle, has a history of being used for wound healing.
Habitat
At its best in sunlit places, ponds, lakes, river and streams. Marsh Woundwort is also seen in damp or marshy areas and on some roadside verges.
A close relative of Betony and Hedge Woundwort, which are also members of the Mint family, it spreads via its seeds, which in waterside locations get carried away by wind blowing them across the surface of the water or, on brooks and rivers, by the current. Vegetative reproduction is also very common, as clones are spread by means of slender underground runners that root at nodes and then produce new young plants.
Aspen Tree
The aspen tree, also known as Populus tremula, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its shimmering, fluttering leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze. It's a native tree in Britain, particularly common in Scotland, and is characterized by its grey bark, small, round leaves, and ability to form clonal colonies.
Leaves
Aspen leaves are small, round, and attached to the tree by long, flattened stalks. This unique structure allows the leaves to move and flutter easily in the wind, giving the tree its characteristic "shimmer".
Bark
The bark is typically grey and may appear pitted with diamond-shaped pores called lenticels.
Catkins
Aspen produces hanging catkins in the spring, which can be a source of food for bees.
Autumn Color
In autum, aspen leaves turn a vibrant yellow, providing a beautiful display.
Growth Habit
Aspens are fast-growing and can reach heights of up to 20-25 meters.
Uses
Historically, aspen wood has been used for the manufacture of wooden matchsticks as the wood is soft, straight grained with a low resin content, and allows clean burning.
Aspen is also used to manufacture paper, and excelsior (shredded wood used for packing and stuffing). More recently, it's been utilized in the production of oriented strand board (OSB) a type of engineered wood product, also furniture, and even sauna interiors. Additionally, aspen foliage is a popular food source for livestock and holds cultural and symbolic significance.
McKinney's Railway Bridge River Foyle - 7 Aug 2025 - v1
The townlands of Island More & Corkan Island together form an island located in the middle of the River Foyle in the Parish of Clonleigh, Co. Donegal, Republic of Ireland.
The island from top to bottom is approx 3 miles (4.8km) long while Corkan Island to the North is 109 acres and approx 1.58 miles (2.5km) long. Island More to the South is is 177 acres and 1.42 miles (2.2km) long. The widest part of the island is approx 0.29 mile (0.46km). The island bisects the River Foyle and the border at this location runs down the middle of eastern tributary of the river, so the island is firmlay located in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). A significant portion of the border between NI and ROI runs not more than 50-60m from the islands two lateral shores from either jurisdiction. The river Foyle is formed at the confulence of the River Mourne & River Finn at Lifford / Strabane and flows through Derry / Londonderry and into Lough Foyle.
The Londonderry and Enniskillen Railway (L&ER) line began construction in 1845 at Derry / Londonderry from the terminus at Foyle Road (Derry City) with the station being opened on 18 April 1850. The line following the west bank of the River Foyle southwards for 12 miles (19 km) to Strabane, which was reached in 1847. This was a 5ft 3 in (1,600 mm) Irish gauge line which eventually ran from L/Derry to Portadown via Omagh and to Enniskillen. The line crosses the border into the ROI east of Carrigans continuing along the west bank via St Johnston, Carrickmore and Porthall afterwhich it crosses the River Foyle onto the island via the two metal railway bridges, the Red Bridge (North at Glenfad) onto Corkan Island, again leaving Island More via McKinney’s railway bridge back into NI and into Strabane station.
This line contined from Strabane to Sion Mills, Trafalgar (a private station), Victoria Bridge, Newtonstewart, Mountjoy Halt, Omagh, Fintona Junction, Fintona, Dromore Road, Trillick, Bundoran Junction, Ballinamalard, Gortaloughan Halt & Enniskillen.
The 'Red Bridge' (North at Glenfad) near Porthall is still accessible as a road bridge onto the island, predominately used by the farming community and the gravel extraction company. Seven groups of three iron doric circular columns remain that would have supported the steel lattice-bracing of McKinney’s Railway Bridge to the north of Island More which was built c.1880 and replaced an earlier wooden structure dated c.1847, the remains of which can still be seen a small distance up-stream from McKinney’s bridge.
McKinney’s railway bridge was demolished by the British Army during the Northern Ireland 'Troubles' as where many small cross-border roads (unapproved roads). The intention was to make these roads impassable and prevent paramilitary movements across the border thus forcing vehicles to use the main roads which were subject to security checks.
'McKinney's Bridge' crosses the River Foyle which forms the border between NI and the ROI, hence the reason why this bridge was demolished and is now unusable. These remote crossing points were also exploited by smugglers, either running the railway bridge crossings with illegal goods, produce or livestock or althenatively navigating the narrow shallow river crossings including beneath the railway bridges in rowing boats.
The Irish gauge 5ft 3 in (1,600 mm) Londonderry and Enniskillen Railway (L&ER) reached Strabane in 1847, the station opened 19 April 1847, however revenue from the line was substantially lower than initially projected and capital to extend the line further south was not raised until 1850. The line was continued up the Mourne Valley from Strabane to Sion Mills station opening on the 9 May 1852. Victoria Bridge also opened on 9 May 1852 from where the river changed its name from the Mourne to the River Strule. the line continued up stream towards Newtownstewart station which also opened on 9 May 1852. Omagh station opened, 13 September 1852.
The line reached its summit at Fintona, County Tyrone, in 1853. Its final extension was from Fintona Junction which was just north of Fintona town, descending South-westwards its terminus at Enniskillen which was reached in 1854.
The Great Northern Railway Ireland (GNRI) took over L&ER in 1883.
A 7.2 mile (11.5 km) long tramway on 3’ 0” gauge rail ran from Victoria Bridge to Castlederg via Glen, Stonewalls, Fyfin, Crew, Spamount and then into Castlederg which opened on 4 July 1884 and closed 7 April 1933.
Most of the “Derry Road” rail route as it was known between Derry / Londonderry and Portadown was closed on 15 February 1965. This closure was part of a wider plan to reduce railway lines in Northern Ireland, by the Ulster Transport Authority (UTA) as outlined in The Benson Report.
Despite the ravages of time much evidence of a once-great enterprise still remains in the form of the old embankments, cuttings, bridges and station buildings. It’s a feature of some historic interest in the landscape, acting as a reminder of the railway and the great age of steam that once existed.
Railway Bridges
Between Newtownstewart and Strabane several of the earlier cast-iron girder trellis bridges, which in turn replaced the original timber bridges put up by the Londonderry & Enniskillen Railway Company (L&ER). Approximately 185 of them were replaced between 1910 to 1912 by enclosed troughs of riveted iron sheets, supported on massive steel girders, current examples include Camus Bridge, replaced 1911, Breen Bridge and Mulvin Bridge.
Marsh woundwort - Stachys palustris.
Description
Marsh Woundwort is an erect perennial plant that can grow up to 80cm in height. As with other members of the Stachys genus, the solid stems of Marsh Woundwort have a square cross section. The stems are noticeably hairy, particularly in the upper region of the plant.
Marsh Woundwort, scientifically known as Stachys palustris. It's characterized by pink-purple flowers, individual flowers are about 12-15mm in size arranged in tall spikes and is known for attracting bumblebees. This plant, also called Marsh Hedgenettle or Hedge-nettle, has a history of being used for wound healing.
Habitat
At its best in sunlit places, ponds, lakes, river and streams. Marsh Woundwort is also seen in damp or marshy areas and on some roadside verges.
A close relative of Betony and Hedge Woundwort, which are also members of the Mint family, it spreads via its seeds, which in waterside locations get carried away by wind blowing them across the surface of the water or, on brooks and rivers, by the current. Vegetative reproduction is also very common, as clones are spread by means of slender underground runners that root at nodes and then produce new young plants.
Aspen Tree
The aspen tree, also known as Populus tremula, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its shimmering, fluttering leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze. It's a native tree in Britain, particularly common in Scotland, and is characterized by its grey bark, small, round leaves, and ability to form clonal colonies.
Leaves
Aspen leaves are small, round, and attached to the tree by long, flattened stalks. This unique structure allows the leaves to move and flutter easily in the wind, giving the tree its characteristic "shimmer".
Bark
The bark is typically grey and may appear pitted with diamond-shaped pores called lenticels.
Catkins
Aspen produces hanging catkins in the spring, which can be a source of food for bees.
Autumn Color
In autum, aspen leaves turn a vibrant yellow, providing a beautiful display.
Growth Habit
Aspens are fast-growing and can reach heights of up to 20-25 meters.
Uses
Historically, aspen wood has been used for the manufacture of wooden matchsticks as the wood is soft, straight grained with a low resin content, and allows clean burning.
Aspen is also used to manufacture paper, and excelsior (shredded wood used for packing and stuffing). More recently, it's been utilized in the production of oriented strand board (OSB) a type of engineered wood product, also furniture, and even sauna interiors. Additionally, aspen foliage is a popular food source for livestock and holds cultural and symbolic significance.