The contributions of Donegal-based community groups to heritage preservation, protection and celebration were recognised at the National Heritage Week Awards ceremony held on Friday, November 15 in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin.
Hosted by The Heritage Council and presented by broadcaster Síle Seoige, the awards shone a spotlight on Donegal’s innovative and community-driven projects, which excelled in connecting people with the county’s rich cultural, linguistic, natural and historical legacy.
(Pictured above are members of the Mountcharles Heritage Group. Pictured (from left to right) are: Martina Moloney (Chairperson, The Heritage Council), Andrea Naughton, Winifred McNulty & Helen Meehan (Mountcharles Heritage Group), Virginia Teehan (Chief Executive, The Heritage Council) and Síle Seoige (RTÉ presenter).
Donegal’s efforts were recognised with awards in two prestigious national categories and the Donegal County Heritage Award. These honours highlighted the creativity, dedication and collaborative spirit of community groups working tirelessly to preserve the county’s unique heritage.
The Mountcharles Heritage Group took home the national Connections, Routes & Networks Award for their standout project ‘From Salt to Stone’. For this National Heritage Week event, the village of Mountcharles was transformed into a living theatre, bringing to life its rich history through interactive performances, historical talks and community storytelling. Throughout the day, actors portrayed historical figures like Ethna Carbery and Alice Milligan, highlighting their roles in Irish culture and politics, while children shared stories gathered from their grandparents in an oral history project.
The day celebrated the town’s built heritage, recalling its stone-working tradition, past businesses and social landmarks like Brogan’s dance hall. Displays in shop windows showcased Mountcharles’s heritage in textiles and vintage vehicles lined the street, while actors portrayed emigrants leaving Mountcharles for new lives abroad. Organised by the Mountcharles Heritage Group, with contributions from local historians and artisans, the event aimed to reconnect the community with its past, foster new connections to history among younger generations and celebrate the shared legacy of the town.
Togra Fiontar & Cultúr Uladh CTR was recognised as a runner-up in the Irish Language Award category for their vibrant festival, ‘Féile Saibhreas Mhachaire Rabhartaigh’. The event celebrated Donegal’s rich linguistic heritage, offering a wide range of activities conducted through Irish. Participants enjoyed storytelling, traditional music, cultural displays and community events designed to deepen engagement with the Irish language through our heritage.
The Donegal County Heritage Award was presented to Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Doirí Beaga for its outstanding project ‘Teampall agus Reilig Mhachaire Gathlán’. This initiative project involves the preparation of a conservation management plan for the old church and historic graveyard at Machaire Gathlán. For National Heritage Week, Ionad Naomh Pádraig highlighted the history, heritage, religious and cultural significance of the site through presentations, cultural artefacts, music and song. In doing so, it engaged the local community to deepen their understanding of the archaeological, built and cultural heritage associated with the site.
“The recognition of these community-based heritage initiatives in County Donegal at national level is a fitting acknowledgement of the tremendous community and voluntary efforts that go into making Heritage Week in County Donegal the success it is” said Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer.
He added “There were over 120 events organised for Heritage Week in County Donegal. There were almost 2,400 events taking place countrywide for National Heritage Week so the recognition awarded these County Donegal-based community groups is all the more impressive. Their work serves to highlight the importance of our built, cultural and natural heritage to our sense of place, our well-being, our local economy and our tourism industry.” More information on the award-winning projects, on national Heritage Week and how to get involved is available on the Heritage Week website at: www.heritageweek.ie
