The Daniel O'Donnell Visitors Centre which is nearing completion in Dungloe.
BY C.J.MCGINLEY
WORK is at an advanced stage on the world’s first museum dedicated to singing sensation Daniel O’Donnell. The Visitor Museum is on schedule to open on May 6 and fans are in for a huge treat.
The 1,500sq ft centre in Dungloe will host a treasure trove of Daniel memorabilia from golden discs to his wedding suit. According to Project Manager, Mr Pat Nora Gallagher, it will be Donegal’s equivalent of Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.
“There will be over 30 golden discs on the walls. Other souvenirs include his Top of the Pops outfit, his MBE, the This is Your Life book from Michael Aspel and the jukebox from his Rock n Roll sell out show at the Point,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Visitors will view a 12-minute introductory video on entering the centre featuring some well known faces. It also includes footage from his school days and the showband scene along with his sister, Margo. There is also rolling clips of his wedding and the suit and dress he and Majella wore will be on view,” Mr Gallagher added.
Promoters are hoping the centre will attract up to 10,000 visitors per year. It will be open from April to September and already enquiries for bookings are flowing in.
“We had Ulster Bus on to make bookings for tours already and given Daniel’s worldwide appeal it will be a boost not only to Dungloe but the whole of Donegal,” he said.
The Daniel O’Donnell Visitor’s Centre is to open in the old National Irish Bank in the town of Dungloe in May.
A memory of a special day which will be on display in the new centre.