Last week was a major milestone for the Cathedral Quarter group as they launched a new Heritage Map App that will enable visitors to explore Letterkenny and the historic area of the Cathedral Quarter.
Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council launched the map last week in Dillon’s Hotel, Letterkenny.
Developed in association with Donegal County Council under the IMPROVE project, The Heritage Map can be downloaded onto mobile devices and will give visitors the chance to explore the area at their own leisure with twenty points of interest around the area.
Get the Cathedral Quarter App here: Story Map Tour
The app was developed by Darragh McDonagh from the Geographic Information Systems section of Donegal County Council, using important information gathered by Cathedral Quarter committee member John Nee. All information available on the new Heritage Map App was validated by Kieran Kelly of Letterkenny Historical Society. The app can be downloaded to any smart phone and it is hoped to develop the app further and translate into several languages.
Cathedral Quarter Heritage Map Launch
Praising the hard work of the Cathedral Quarter committee, Cllr Mc Monagle said: “Three years ago in a room in McGettigan’s Hotel Letterkenny, the Cathedral Quarter area was a just a wild dream but now with the committee’s work and the association with Donegal County Council, people are buying into the concept of the Cathedral Quarter. The app will cement the theory that the dream is now becoming a reality. Congratulations to all involved.”
Adding to this, Gerard McCormick, President of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce said he has noticed an increase in the number of visitors to the area who are looking for things to do: “The Wild Atlantic Way has resulted in more tourists setting up their base in Letterkenny and that is evident with the number of visitors to the area and jam-packed hotel here in Dillon’s this evening. This new app will give tourists a real experience, real focus and chance to see everything Letterkenny has to offer.”
Closing the evening, Paddy Friel, Chair of the Cathedral Quarter thanked guest speakers and those who attended the launch. He praised the Cathaoirleach for working with the Cathedral Quarter group and paid thanks to the Donegal County Council for their commitment and assistance. In addition, he also raised the fact that there was no real help from the Government or any of their Statutory agencies apart from The Heritage Council. He finished by adding, “look at what we have no done with no money. Imagine what we could if we received some funding”.
For information on the Cathedral Quarter project visit the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Facebook page.
The Cathedral Quarter will be hosting a fundraising quiz in the Central Bar at 9.30pm on Wednesday, 26 July. Money raised will go towards the restoration of an Iron gate on the Church Lane and other ongoing projects. Teams of four cost €20 or €5 per person. Raffle prizes on the night.
Iron gate on the Church Lane