‘Collectively, we can create something genuinely powerful’

Collaboration was the keyword as Letterkenny Tourism proudly held the official launch of its brand-new website, GoVisitLetterkenny.ie.

The platform is dedicated to showcasing everything that makes the town a vibrant, welcoming and exciting place to visit - and the perfect base for exploring the rest of Donegal.

This new website, which is funded by Donegal County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Donegal Tourism, is the result of a collective effort by local businesses who share one goal: to promote a positive message about Letterkenny.

Chairman of Letterkenny Tourism, Brian Gallagher, said: “Today is about much more than launching a website. It is about confidence - confidence in Letterkenny, confidence in our businesses, confidence in our people and confidence in our future.

“Over the past year, there has been renewed energy and collaboration across the town. Hotels, cafés, bars, retailers, activity providers and local organisations have come together with a shared ambition - to positively promote Letterkenny and showcase everything this town and county have to offer.

“Our aim is simple - to promote Letterkenny as a destination in its own right and as the ideal base from which to explore the very best of Donegal.

“No single business can market Letterkenny alone. But collectively, we can create something genuinely powerful, getting the message delivered to a wider audience. Tourism benefits everybody. It supports hotels, restaurants, cafés, pubs, retailers, taxis, musicians, festivals, sporting organisations and local jobs throughout the wider economy.

“Letterkenny has always had the people, the hospitality, the location and the potential. Now we are building the platform, the partnerships and the collective voice to match that potential.”

Karoline Sweeney of Castle Grove Country House, President of the Letterkenny Chamber for 2026/27, added: “We can showcase Donegal and show that Letterkenny is a great place to stay, fabulous accommodation, something for everyone, the nightlife, the bars and restaurants and retail. Letterkenny is a great town for shopping.

“We’re going from strength to strength, and the power we have is collaboration, as we are willing to work together. We are trying to really highlight Letterkenny and the wider region and we can do that by supporting each other. The strength is getting stronger and stronger.

“The more things that are on this site, the more people will see them. People are using their phones when looking for places to go or things to do. I encourage as many people and businesses as possible to get involved. We truly are stronger together. I love Letterkenny, and I certainly love Donegal”

Fianna Fáil’s Ciaran Brogan, Cathaoirleach of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, was similarly enthused and believes Letterkenny can be used as a hub for the county as a whole.

“This is a great bit of work and Brian Gallagher and Darren McElwaine at Arena 7, who helped put the site together, have done exceptional work,” Cllr Brogan said. “There was also great input from Conor McEniff (at the Mount Errigal Hotel) and Shiloe Kelly (from the Station House Hotel), as well as Paul Byrne (formerly Radisson Hotel). It’s all about sharing information and doing as much as we can for Letterkenny. We are right in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, and this is a really exciting time, and we have product to sell.”

Tourism Manager at Donegal County Council, Joy Browne, said: “You are all vital in promoting Letterkenny. It is a great place in which to live and work. The website is easy to navigate, and it’s a brilliant first impression for anyone looking at Letterkenny. It’s a vital platform to support local businesses.

“We have hotels and attractions, whether here for leisure or tourism. Letterkenny has great potential and the initiative fits with our county-wide message, whilst also giving Letterkenny distinction. A key thing running through all of this is the collaboration and people are working like this across the county. A rising tide lifts all boats. The collective approach will continue to drive tourism to Donegal.

Joan Crawford, Wild Atlantic Way Manager with Fáilte Ireland, added: “This is a very important initiative for the town. It shows what Letterkenny has to offer. This is bringing together the business partners and the wider community. It shows that Letterkenny is ambitious and is always welcoming to visitors. We have eight hotels here with 1,000 beds and there’s a vibrancy around the town. We must continue to work together to make Letterkenny a year-round destination. We’d like them to come and stay, enjoy and return. The website is fantastic and we all want to see Letterkenny flourish.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme