€1 million for four Donegal projects under Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Scheme

Four Donegal projects have been allocated a total of €1,035,562 under the Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme.

The four local projects are Oakfield Park, Raphoe, €294,611; Wild Ireland, Burnfoot, €269,000; Dunfanaghy Workhouse, €239,040 and Inishowen Maritime Museum, Greencastle, €232,911.

Welcoming the announcement, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: “Tourism is a big part of life in Donegal and a hugely important sector of our economy. It’s estimated that one in five workers in Donegal is directly engaged in the tourism sector. This significant funding announcement will be warmly welcomed by the four successful local projects here in Donegal.”

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“These investments will assist them with their plans to further develop and expand their respective offerings and to plan for the future. Linking the Wild Atlantic Way, which has been such a great success story for Donegal, with the Causeway Coastal Route is something which has huge potential. Supporting and developing tourist attractions in our county is key to its success."

The Donegal allocation is part of a €2.7 million capital investment funding that will develop and enhance visitor experiences across counties Donegal, Sligo and parts of Leitrim on the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as counties Derry and Antrim along the Causeway Coastal Route.

Following a competitive application process, 13 projects were approved by Tourism Agencies for funding across the two jurisdictions.

Oakfield Park in Raphoe will use its allocation to restore vintage railway carriages to host interactive exhibits, VR experiences, and art displays. This will create a year-round, weather-proof attraction.

Wild Ireland in Burnfoot will build an indoor education centre with multimedia features, offering immersive learning on the Celtic Rainforest using interactive and multilingual tools with its allocation.

Inishowen Maritime Museum in Greencastle will invest its funding on a new planetarium show that will feature regional stories and aurora visuals over local landmarks - interactive screens, multilingual tours, and holograms will enhance visitor engagement.

Dunfanaghy Workhouse will update its exhibitions with interactive panels and multilingual audio tours to improve storytelling and accessibility for international visitors with its investment.

“The more attractions that Donegal can provide for visitors and tourists, the better. This initiative is about getting more people to explore our county and giving them options to stay for longer which will increase the growth of the local economy,” the Donegal Minister of State commented.

Speaking following the announcement, Pat the Cope Gallagher TD said: “This is a very welcome and timely investment for Donegal and for the wider North West. Tourism is one of our greatest natural strengths, and today’s funding will help us tell our stories in new and compelling ways while supporting jobs and local communities.

"The Shared Island initiative is delivering real, practical benefits on the ground. By linking the Wild Atlantic Way with the Causeway Coastal Route, we are creating a world-class visitor experience that will attract more people to our region, encourage longer stays, and boost the local economy.

"I particularly welcome the funding for projects in Donegal—from Oakfield Park to Wild Ireland, the Inishowen Maritime Museum, and the Dunfanaghy Workhouse. These are exceptional attractions, and this investment will help them reach their full potential.”

The other nine projects that have been allocated funding under the Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme are Derry Girls Experience, Derry City, £250,000; Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Bushmills, Antrim, £250,000; Lough Gill Brewery, Sligo, €112,000; Museum of Free Derry, Derry City, £57,442; The Courthouse, Bushmills, Antrim, £103,257; The Gobbins, Islandmagee, Antrim, £200,000; The Model – Home of the Niland Collection, Sligo, €177,732; The Rose of Innisfree, Sligo, €180,556; The Yeats Society, Sligo Town, €186,014.

The Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project is an all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative developed by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, and Tourism Ireland. The project commenced in 2023 funded through a total allocation of €7.6 million from the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund.