Events will continue around Donegal this week as part of National Heritage week until Sunday, August 23.
This year’s theme is ‘Heritage at Risk,’ which encourages people across the country to protect our past and present for the future generations who will grow up around Donegal’s places, traditions and stories.
This year, over 150 events are taking place around Donegal. From guided walks, talks, workshops and exhibitions to biodiversity events, family activities, traditional craft demonstrations, historical re-enactments and archaeological re-discoveries, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you have a lifelong interest in heritage or simply want to explore somewhere new in your local area, Heritage Week offers countless opportunities to learn, participate and connect with the rich built, cultural, natural and archaeological heritage that surrounds us.
“We all need to lend a hand to help protect our heritage at risk” said Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer.
“Our heritage reinforces our sense of place, supports our well-being, provides local employment, and supports our local economy and tourism industry.”
If you are around the Donegal Town area today, there is an arts and crafts event that might be of interest. Errigal Handweaver, Siobhán Ní Ghallchóir will be offering a free 90 minute weaving workshop for children and accompanying adults about weaving and yarn processing in Donegal Castle.
The Brian Friel exhibition opened yesterday in the Lughnasa Creative Arts Centre in Glenties and there will be plenty of interest in a special exhibition at the Donegal County Museum in Letterkenny – Rockwell Kent, An American Artist in Donegal.
The Regional Cultural Centre
will hold an exhibition ‘The
Rain Tells Us Everything’ opening tomorrow, Tuesday.
Ballybofey, Stranorlar and District Historical Society are hosting two events in the coming days as part of National Heritage Week.
The first event is an historical photo show in Ballybofey and Stranorlar Golf Club on Monday, August 17.
There will be a number of local historians who will discuss the photos of local people and places from the past with the audience on the night. The event is free and it gets underway at 8pm. There will be light refreshments served afterwards.
On Saturday, August 22 from 10am-4pm there will be an open day at Tony Gallinagh’s Museum at Backlees, Stranorlar, F93 AD62.
Tony has been gathering artifacts all his life and many of these will be on display. Outside the museum will be a number of old historical farm implements which will be divided into three sections. One will involve all the old machinery involved in spring work on the farm. The second will be a display of the implements that were used for harvesting and the third section will be dealing with the dairy end of farming from years ago.
Opportunity
This is a free event but there will be an opportunity to make a donation to the Donegal Hospice.
Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter will once again come alive during Heritage Week 2026 with a series of events celebrating the history, architecture, traditional skills and community spirit of one of Donegal’s most significant historic areas.
The programme begins this evening, Monday, with the popular Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Jaunt, a guided evening walk through Letterkenny’s only Architectural Conservation Area.
Led by Cathedral Quarter Secretary, Donnan Harvey, the tour will reveal the fascinating stories behind St Eunan’s Cathedral, Conwal Parish Church, Church Lane and the many historic buildings, monuments and hidden features that make the Cathedral Quarter such a unique part of the town.
Participants will also learn about the area’s ongoing regeneration and the community efforts to preserve its heritage for future generations. The Jaunt begins at 8pm at the Hiring Fair statue on the Market Square.