Last chance to visit award-winning exhibition at Donegal County Museum

The Culture Division of Donegal County Council is delighted to invite the public to the closing event of the acclaimed exhibition Working Over By: Donegal Emigrant Working Lives in Scotland 1940–1990, taking place in Donegal County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny on Wednesday, April 29, at 7pm.

“This special evening marks the concluding event for the ‘Working Over By’ exhibition in the Donegal County Museum and is an opportunity to thank all the people who have contributed to the exhibition and its archive”, said Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer.

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“The exhibition has explored the rich and often overlooked stories of Donegal men and women who travelled to Scotland for work between 1940 and 1990. Many of them worked there on a seasonal basis, while others settled and raised their families there. Through photographs, artefacts and personal testimonies, the exhibition has highlighted the range of occupations, working conditions and lived experiences of those who went to Scotland for work.”

Donegal Tunnel Tigers taking a break from their work on a hydro-electric scheme in Scotland in the mid-twentieth century - Martin Molloy, Glenties; Unknown; Hughie Friel, Termon; Jimmy McDaid, Glenswilly; Anthony Ferry, Crickamore, Dungloe; Paddy Joe Molloy, Mully, Glenties & Andy Bonar, Meenmore, Dungloe. Photo: SSE Renewables

“The public response to the exhibition has been extraordinary. It has resonated strongly with audiences both locally and internationally, reflecting a shared heritage shaped by emigration and enduring links between Donegal and Scotland. It was rewarding to see the pride that people have in the work that they and their families undertook while in Scotland and this exhibition sought to record and acknowledge some of their accomplishments.

The ‘Working Over By’ project won the Ceangal Local Heritage Award at the Local Authority Members’ Association (LAMA) All-Ireland Community & Council Awards recently and we are currently in discussions with the Irish Consulate to arrange for the exhibition to travel to Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow starting later this year, such is the interest in the exhibition.”

Donegal Diaspora Ambassador Packie Bonner at the launch of the ‘Working Over By’ exhibition in the Donegal County Museum in July 2025. Photo: Declan Doherty

Visitors attending the closing event will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition, offering deeper insight into the narratives and research behind the project. Copies of the free ‘Working Over By: Donegal Emigrant Working Lives in Scotland 1940-1990’ booklet and the ‘Glasgow Corporation Transport & The Donegal Connection’ booklet will be available.

Food and refreshments will be served on the night, providing an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the exhibition and connect with others who share an interest in this chapter of Donegal’s social and cultural history.

The exhibition represents a collaboration between the Heritage Office, Museum, Archives and Regional Cultural Centre of Donegal County Council’s Culture Division and the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies. The exhibition is part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan, funded by The Heritage Council & Donegal County Council.

Brothers Dinnie Gallagher (far left) and John Gallagher (far right) originally from Tully near Dungloe, with Mick Durkin (from Co Mayo) and John Floyd (from Ballybofey) working for the Cementation company on the interceptor sewer in Seafield, Edinburgh circa 1966.  The dangerous nature of their working environment is conveyed by the condition of their work clothes and the lack of personal protective equipment. Photo: Mary Gallagher

Running since July 2025, the exhibition has attracted significant public engagement, with many visitors contributing their own family stories, photographs and memories - helping to build a lasting archive of this important chapter in Donegal’s history. All are welcome to attend this closing event at Donegal County Museum, Letterkenny, and admission is free.

For further information, please contact Donegal County Museum or the Donegal County Heritage Office.