Donegal Historical Society formally opens new public display

The formal opening of the Donegal Historical Society took place at the Lifford Old Courthouse by the Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John McLaughlin.

Historical artefacts from south Donegal now have a home for public display at Lifford’s Old Courthouse, after being on display for 70 years at the Franciscan Friary in Rossnowlagh since 1954, during which time, the museum was visited by two sitting Irish Presidents, Eamon De Valera and Dr Erskine Childers.

The President of the Donegal Historical Society, Joe Gatins, delivered a speech highlighting the importance of some of the historical artefacts, representing periods from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Medieval Period, Penal Times and into the 20th century.

Among the items on display include copies of the Annals of the Four Masters, The Book of Ballymote, an Allingham Family Bible and Dead Pennies from World War I.

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There are also the remains of a badly rusted pistol with an undischarged round still in the chamber, which was found in a tree at Cratlagh Wood between Milford and Carrigart, near where Lord Leitrim was assassinated in April 1878.

At the event, Gatins said: “In 2023, the Franciscan Friary commenced a planned reorganisation of its facilities to meet future requirements. This created pressure on existing space, and the Co Donegal Historical Society was required to seek an alternative location for their museum collection. 

“I would like, at this juncture, to acknowledge our appreciation for the generosity and facilities afforded to us by the Franciscan Community during the period the Museum was located in the Monastery. It was a difficult decision for them to request that we vacate the premises. 

“In our search for new premises, we established a set of criteria for any new location. It had to be available, open to the public, wheelchair accessible, and with reasonable footfall. 

“The Society were offered an exhibition space within the Old Courthouse in Lifford in which to display their collection.

“This generous offer by the Lifford Association Tourism Commerce Heritage (L.A.T.C.H) was viewed as a perfect fit to display a collection that represents the history and heritage of our county within such a historic building. I understand it was constructed in 1746.”

Gatins concluded: “Museums help us to understand our roots and appreciate the diverse and cultural backgrounds in our community by encouraging an interest in the history and heritage of the area.

“They can be used for education, academic research, and to promote intergenerational engagement. To put it simply, this museum is a forum for learning, and I look forward to it developing its full potential in the years to come.”