Old Dunfanaghy craft shop to become off-licence and apartments
Donegal County Council granted permission at site of long-term Dunfanaghy business
Dunfanaghy’s formerly iconic McAuliffe’s Craft Shop will be converted into apartments and a new off-licence after Donegal County Council granted planning permission for the proposed development.
Located on Main Street, the proposed development was granted permission for the change of use from first-floor retail/storage use to two apartments, with revised enclosed access stairs and external escape stairs to the rear of the building.
Moreover, a new off-licence within the existing shop on the ground floor level is planned, with the removal of some existing windows, and amendments to the shopfront, as well as all associated works and site works.
Donegal County Council granted planning permission to the applicant, Iscourt Ltd, with six conditions, including a condition for the applicant to contribute to the Planning Authority a €3,613.40 payment, in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting the development.
The popular McAuliffe’s Craft shop closed its doors for the final time in October 2024, after serving the needs of local people and visitors to the area for over 70 years, operating as a chemist, tweed and fashion shop, and most recently as a craft shop.
Last autumn, the centenarian, Mary McAuliffe, told Donegal Live: “I feel satisfied knowing the family has given the community good service, that makes me proud.”