THE Donegal Volunteer Centre has once again partnered with Donegal County Museum and the Donegal News to celebrate volunteers across the county with its popular Donegal Volunteer Photography Competition,
This year’s competition features two categories:
Heritage Volunteering in Donegal, sponsored by Donegal County Museum, aims to capture the work of individuals and groups who protect and promote Donegal’s culture and heritage.
Volunteering in Donegal, sponsored by the Donegal Volunteer Centre, highlights the wide range of volunteer roles that help make communities better places to live and work.
The winner of the Heritage Volunteering in Donegal category will receive the John McDermott Award and a €100 voucher. In the Volunteering in Donegal category, the winner will receive a €200 voucher, the runner-up €100 and the third-placed photographer €50.
The winning and runner-up photographs will also be featured in the Donegal News.
Eamonn Bonner, Manager of the Donegal Volunteer Centre, said: “It is an honour to once again partner with Donegal County Museum and the Donegal News to capture the amazing work volunteers carry out right across Donegal, as well as the county’s stunning scenery.”
Caroline Carr, Assistant Curator at Donegal County Museum, said: “The John McDermott Award is particularly fitting for the competition, as it is named in honour of a local historian and dedicated volunteer photographer. Capturing Donegal’s heritage for years to come is extremely important.”
Diarmaid Doherty, Editor of the Donegal News, added: “The competition provides an opportunity to highlight Donegal’s wonderful heritage and volunteering, while also featuring stunning photography.”
The closing date for entries is Sunday, August 23, 2026.
An awards presentation will take place on Wednesday, September 16 at Donegal County Museum, where the winner and runners-up will be announced.
Photographs submitted to the competition will go on public display as part of an exhibition opening on Culture Night, Friday, September 18, 2026, at Donegal County Museum.
Entries can be submitted to [email protected].
Full terms and conditions are available at volunteerdonegal.ie.
Ozgun Ozdemir – This photo was a previous winner in the photography competition.
The photo featuring John Gallinagh was a previous winner of the Heritage Award in the Donegal Volunteer Photography competition.