In Pictures: Donegal 550 Pop Up Museum launched in old railway carriage

A pop up museum marking Donegal 550 celebrations has been launched at Donegal Railway Heritage Museum. Read on to find out more, and click on arrows for a gallery of photographs by Philip Mulligan.

Manager of Donegal Railway Heritage Museum told those gathered for the launch: “Our focus here has been on railways in this museum but I always thought the town itself did deserve somewhere where there was a bit more information about the history of it. 

“There was some information around the town - Mary McGettigan with the Community Chamber and others had signposts and bits and pieces but I thought it would be great to have some way of telling the wider story of the town.”

A funding opportunity came along, and Niall submitted an application which was successful in providing pop up information banners and display units.

Work then got underway to bring everything together to complete the museum which is fully portable. 

“Donegal Town itself, well the county gets its name from it,” said Niall. 

“Pulling this information together has been fascinating. When you see the great history that we have here particularly in relation to the Castle and the Abbey, and then right through to some of the great landmarks around the town, it’s something that we should be proud of and I don’t think we really celebrate it as much as we should. 

“This is a tourist mecca. That’s why people come here. 

“It’s amazing what I picked up and learned locally in relation to the monks coming here and the different things that happened and the old fairs. Some of the photographs are just phenomenal.”

When deciding how best to use the display units, Niall decided to look to some of the town’s landmark businesses and heritage organisations.

“I was delighted when we got Magee 1866 involved, and then Hanna Hats and the castle, and ourselves,” he said. “They have all filled these cabinets with their own bits and pieces too which is great.”

The museum is currently on view in the Donegal Railway Heritage Museum, but Niall is hoping that it will travel around the community throughout the year. 

“The whole idea about this museum, it’s a pop up museum so this museum is starting here but is going to go around the town,” he said. 

“We are talking to the Abbey Vocational School, they are looking at taking it, and also the tourist office. 

“But I want this pop up museum to appear in unusual and surprising places. So it could appear at a Super Valu near you. It could appear in a derelict unit. 

“So if you know of somewhere locally or if you might be interested in hosting it, let us know.”Niall thanked Donegal County Council for funding, and everyone who provided information and who filled the display units. 

This launch was the first in a year of events to mark Donegal Town’s 550th birthday.

“We are delighted that this event is kicking off the 550 celebrations,” said Niall. “There is a lot planned.”

The official Donegal 550 launch takes place at Donegal Castle on March 15, with further details to be confirmed.

Further details and updates of the year’s events can be found on the Donegal Town 550th Facebook page.