Speaking after Sunday’s official opening of the 1,500sq ft centre, Mr Pat Nora Gallagher, appealed to people to come along and learn much more about Daniel and discover Donegal in the process.
Up to 1,000 devoted Daniel fans gathered as their idol cut the ribbon to officially open the world’s first Daniel O’Donnell visitor centre on Sunday.
“We had a further 500 on Bank Holiday which augers well for the future. The visitors were mainly from Northern Ireland,” Mr Gallagher said.
“It is early days but the feedback so far has been very positive. Hopefully, the centre will gift the town a lift,” he added.
Fans travelled from as far as Canada and Scotland the opening which people hope will breathe new life into the town of Dungloe.
Mr Gallagher said people knew that Daniel O’Donnell was a genuine person.
“Before this they saw him only whenever they saw him in concert, be that in Ireland, Australia, America or wherever,” he said.
“We are hoping they can now come to Donegal to this centre, learn and see so much more about Daniel and discover Donegal and Ireland in the process,” he added.
Mr O’Donnell (50) said he hoped the centre, which contains much of his most-treasured memorabilia, would rejuvenate the town.
“I really do think that during times of recession we have to forget about Dublin and about governments and just do things for ourselves,” he said.
“I am hopeful that this little corner of Dungloe can provide the spark to help the town grow again,” he added.
The centre, will be open from April until the end of September and tickets are €5. It is located on the site of the old National Irish Bank and Bridge Bar.
The entertainer revealed it was in the bank in 1983 that he took out a €1,000 loan for his first van which he used on the road during his early career.
One fan, June Payne from Aberdeen, Scotland, revealed she has travelled some 280,000 miles around the world following Mr O’Donnell for the past 25 years.
“He is just so genuine and I am so glad there is now a centre in his name,” she said.
Mr O’Donnell was anxious to point out that this wasn’t a museum but rather a visitor’s centre. “I think there’s a bit more of the story to tell before we can call it a museum,” the singer said.
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