Adam Rory Porter is well-known across Inishowen and Donegal for a variety of reasons. He is probably best-known as a local landscape photographer (check out his pictures of the Northern Lights) and businessman. This is Adam’s My Donegal.
Where is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
That is an impossible question to answer as we have so many amazing places in Donegal.
But some of my favourites include Fort Dunree, Grianan of Aileach, Stragill,, Aranmore, Tory, Urris, Glencolmcille, the Isle of Doagh, Glenveagh, the Wee House of Malin, Swan Park, the amazing galleries, studios and museums we have and so many more. The list really could go on and on!
Where in Donegal do you call home?
The beautiful town of Buncrana in Inishowen.
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
I have to say again there are so many. But my wife Angela MacLochlainn is a constant source of inspiration, guidance and support. She’s the Queen of our household and keeps our three princesses and I motivated and cared for. Also, my dad, brother, sister, cousins and our extended families are always there for each other and to help one another. I’m so lucky to be part of such a close family.
What do you think is Donegal’s best tourist attraction?
Another impossible question but my favourite must be Grianan of Aileach.
Do you prefer Donegal summers or Donegal winters?
I love them both, and springs, but Donegal autumns are my absolute favourites.
What would you do on your ideal day out in Donegal?
Set off early with a big picnic packed, a leisurely drive to that days’ destination of choice. Often we have Granny and Granda MacLochlainn in the back of the 7-Seater and we’re seeking a site of historical or archaeological significance to visit as we love our Donegal heritage. After our day spent exploring we’ll often stop for fish and chips in a town on the way back. When we get home, we often review our photos and videos of the day all gathered around the big TV.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Football Special is a classic obviously but in every café and restaurant and shop, you find beautifully created locally sourced Donegal-made dishes. The Artists and Crafters of Donegal create the most stunning products also.
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Again we have so many! But a few of note would be historically Saint Colmcille and recently Brian McDermott for his winning the world’s best cookery book.
Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Again with so many great business people in mind, I’d have to give Donagh Kelly of KN Networks and Pat Doherty of Harcourt, Artist Sharon McDaid from the Silver Birch Gallery in Carndonagh and Una Tynan of Blank Canvas Cosmetics. Proud Donegal people striving in business locally and internationally.
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
So many again! Honourable mentions will have to be Packie Bonner, Ray Houghton (we’re claiming him!) Nora Stapleton, Irish Rugby legend and of course Michael Murphy who is and will be one of Donegal’s greatest sportspersons.
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
Yous really aren’t making this easy 😉 My home town of Buncrana has so many fabulous restaurants from The Red Door, the Firebox Grill, The Harbour Inn, The Inishowen Gateway, Drift Inn, The Lake of Shadows, Sherpa, Primavera, and the Ubiquitous restaurant. Always fabulous food in them all. Further afield we’ve had fabulous meals in The Seaview Tavern in Malin, the Butterbean in Carndonagh, The Boathouse in Redcastle, the Redcastle Hotel, all the hotels in Ballyliffin and Nancy’s Barn, The Point Inn, the Town Clock in Moville and The Cosy Cottage.
Away from Inishowen The olde Glen bar in Glen, in Downings, The Singing Pub and The Beach Hotel. The Kitchen in Letterkenny, The Lobsterpot in Burtonport, Kitty Kellys in Kill, An Club on Tory Island and many more!
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The return of the railways.
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Dún na nGall Abú!
What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Keeping our environment as beautiful and clean as it deserves to be.
What is your favourite Donegal food?
Angela my wife grows the most beautiful spuds in the back garden 😊
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
We’re often a self-deprecating bunch of people and we shouldn’t be because we have so much to be proud of.
Do you have a favourite local band?
Too many to choose from again! Don’t Fear the Natives, 2 shíte dj’s, the Pox men, Rory Gallagher to name a few.
If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
I would put the money towards the preservation of our archaeological sites as the amount of devastation in the last 100 years is eroding many of these away.
Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
Couldn’t choose between the two legends.
Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
Its people are the most friendly and welcoming in the world and our love of the Irish language here.
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