Historic Town Atlas showcases Ballyshannon's rich and varied history

By Staff reporter
Published 13th Oct 2025, 13:47 BST
PHOTOS: Karen Skellyplaceholder image
PHOTOS: Karen Skelly

A free supporting exhibition curated by author and historian Dr Angela Byrne is running in the Abbey Arts Centre

A Ballyshannon edition of the Irish Historic Town Atlas (IHTA) series has been published, showcasing the town’s rich and varied history. 

This publication explores Ballyshannon from a fording point and O’Donnell stronghold, through its nineteenth-century heyday as a thriving port and market town with international trading connections, into the twenty-first century. It includes historic maps, views and photographs, as well as new thematic maps. Part of a series by the Royal Irish Academy, it is written by esteemed historian, Dr Angela Byrne and was launched in the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon on October 9.

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Dr Byrne said: “As a Donegal native it’s an honour to have authored the atlas and I hope it will prompt more research into the growth and development of the county’s historic towns.”placeholder image
Dr Byrne said: “As a Donegal native it’s an honour to have authored the atlas and I hope it will prompt more research into the growth and development of the county’s historic towns.”
Donegal County Council’s Heritage Office Dr Joseph Gallagher said the publication formed a part of the County Donegal Heritage Plan and would be a valuable resource for students and communities to explore local heritage and history.placeholder image
Donegal County Council’s Heritage Office Dr Joseph Gallagher said the publication formed a part of the County Donegal Heritage Plan and would be a valuable resource for students and communities to explore local heritage and history.
Guest speaker for the launch Dr Easkey Britton said: “The history of a place is more than just its past, it's a living, breathing part of its identity, shaping how we see our future. Ballyshannon’s rich heritage offers us a reminder of the deep interconnection between place, people, and environment.”placeholder image
Guest speaker for the launch Dr Easkey Britton said: “The history of a place is more than just its past, it's a living, breathing part of its identity, shaping how we see our future. Ballyshannon’s rich heritage offers us a reminder of the deep interconnection between place, people, and environment.”

Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District (MD) of Donegal, Cllr Micheál Naughton (FF) commended everyone involved in the publication.

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“The historical development of Ballyshannon can still be seen in the landownership patterns, streetscapes and historic buildings in the town,” he said.

Irish Historic Towns Atlas no. 32, Ballyshannon//Béal Átha Seanaidh is published by the RIA Publishing House and available in A Novel Idea in Ballyshannon and the Four Masters in Donegal Town, and at www.ria.ie

A free exhibition, Ballyshannon Mall Through Time, created by Dr Byrne and supported by the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group runs in the Abbey Arts Centre from October 7 to 21.

Related topics:BallyshannonAbbey Arts Centre
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