SPECIAL celebrations this month will mark 30 years of history, culture and entertainment at Lifford Old Courthouse.
Lifford Old Courthouse was built in 1746 and served as both a courthouse and county gaol.
It ceased to operate as a Courthouse in 1938 and from that time was partially used by Donegal County Council and gradually the building fell into disrepair.
In 1992 Lifford Association Tourism Commerce Heritage (LATCH) was founded with the aim of preserving the Old Courthouse for future generations and creating employment.
After a massive refurbishment, Lifford Old Courthouse opened its doors to the public as an award winning visitor centre in 1994.
The centre has continued to develop and adapt over the last 30 years to become a multi purpose arts venue and community hub captivating locals and tourists alike.
In 2015 “Jailbreak” – the first Escape Room in the North West was launched. Jailbreak is a puzzle solving escape room where you have to find clues to escape from a real cell within 60 minutes.
Jailbreak has grown in popularity over the years attracting a wide variety of groups from hen and stag parties to corporate team building groups, families and schools.
The family friendly version Junior Jailbreak is also very popular with primary schools and for birthday parties.
A special Halloween Escape Room is also available each year in October.
The guided tour of the original cells continues to be popular with schools, groups and families with tales of crimes, punishments and the gruesome living conditions endured by prisoners.
In April 2020 in response to the pandemic, Lifford Old Courthouse in conjunction with Lifford Covid Community Response Group started a Meals on Wheels service for the elderly in Lifford and Ballindrait.
This much valued service has continued since then providing over 6,000 meals every year.
If you know of anyone who would benefit from the Meals on Wheels service get in touch with Gillian on 074 9141733.
We’re always on the lookout for volunteers who are willing to deliver meals, so if you are interested please get in touch!
This year to celebrate 30 years in business, the events team at Lifford Old Courthouse curated their biggest events programme yet and are now looking forward to a great line up for the Autumn/Winter.
The Autumn programme kicks off with a great weekend of Irish music on August 16 and 17.
On August 16, Padraig Jack from the Aran Islands will take to the stage with support from Letterkenny singer Shauna McDaid.
The following day, Donegal’s own traditional Irish music legends Altan will perform what is sure to be a night to remember.
This will be Altan’s first Donegal performance since the launch of their new album ‘Donegal’.
And if that isn’t enough the Old Courthouse also has meeting rooms available and the bistro is available for all your party needs including birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, First Holy Communions and Confirmations.
The Courthouse Bistro also hosts the Wellness Café every Wednesday from 11am to 12.30pm providing an opportunity for people to meet and chat over a cup of tea.
For more information and to see the full line up of events see www.liffordoldcourthouse.com or contact 074 9141733.
As a celebration of their 30th Anniversary Lifford Old Courthouse is offering a reduced price for the pre-show meal of €20 for 2 courses or €25 for 3 courses before concerts this autumn.
To book call (00353)74 9141733 quoting code DN-OFFER.
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