New publication explores the rich history of the town of Ballyshannon

THE Abbey Arts Centre in Ballyshannon played host to the launch of a new publication which explores the history of the town of Ballyshannon.

The Irish Historic Towns Atlas No. 32 –  Ballyshannon//Béal Átha Seanaidh  – was launched on Thursday evening.

Authored by Dr Angela Byrne, a Donegal historian, and supported by Donegal County Council and the Heritage Council as part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan, this new historical atlas explores the town of Ballyshannon from its origins to the present day. 

It invites readers to learn about the town’s rich history: from a fording point and O’Donnell stronghold, through its 19th-century heyday as a thriving port and market town with international trading connections, into the 21st century. 

The volume includes large-format reproductions of historic maps, views and photographs from the late sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, as well as specially created thematic maps.

Barry Sweeny makes a presentation to Dr. Angela Byrne on behalf of the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group. Photos: Karen Skelly

Joseph Gallagher, Heritage Officer at Donegal County Council, said: “Donegal County Council is delighted to support the publication of the Irish Historic Towns Atlas for Ballyshannon as part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan. 

“This volume traces the evolution of Ballyshannon as a settlement and is a valuable resource for students and communities to explore local heritage and history and the ways in which they are represented on maps, in documents and in our built environment.”

The launch event featured an illustrated talk by Dr Byrne, ‘Hidden Histories: Vanished Traces of Ballyshannon’s Past’. 

arine social scientist, surfer and writer Dr. Easkey Britton who launched the Ballyshannon Historic Towns Atlas in the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon.

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Speaking about the publication she said: “Ballyshannon is an important addition to the Irish Historic Towns Atlas project, and beyond that, the town now takes its place among over 600 towns and cities in the European scheme. 

“As a Donegal native it’s an honour to have authored the atlas and I hope it will prompt more research into the growth and development of the county’s historic towns’

The illustrated talk was followed by a launch reception with guest speaker Dr Easkey Britton who said: “The history of a place is more than just its past, it’s a living, breathing part of its identity, shaping how we see our future. 

“Ballyshannon’s rich heritage offers us a reminder of the deep interconnection between place, people, and environment. 

“As we look forward, it’s essential that we continue to honour and protect both our physical and cultural landscapes, ensuring they remain for generations to come.”

Dr. Angela Byrne, author of the Ballyshannon Historic Towns Atlas, pictured with Cllr. Michéal Naughton, Cathaoirleach of the Donegal Municipal District, at the launch of the atlas in the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon.

Cllr. Michéal Naughton, Cathaoirleach of the Donegal Municipal District, welcomed the publication as a milestone for the region:

“The historical development of Ballyshannon can still be seen in the landownership patterns, streetscapes and historic buildings in the town. This publication recognises that legacy and places it in the context of the experiences of other historic towns and cities throughout Europe.

“I commend the Royal Irish Academy and all involved for this outstanding contribution to our collective memory.”

As part of the Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival and to mark the launch of the publication, there will be an exhibition, Ballyshannon Mall Through Time, hosted in the Atrium of the Abbey Arts Centre. 

The exhibition was created by Dr Byrne as part of her research on Ballyshannon and supported by the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group. The exhibition will run from 7 October – 21 October and is free to visit.

Irish Historic Towns Atlas (IHTA) is a research programme of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA)

Irish Historic Towns Atlas no. 32, Ballyshannon//Béal Átha Seanaidh is published by the RIA Publishing House and is available in A Novel Idea, Ballyshannon and via the RIA Publishing House on www.ria.ie.