New ‘Visit Carndonagh’ office officially opens

The new facility is the latest initiative by the Carndonagh traders’ Association, which was laucnehd ahead of the Irish Open in Ballyliffin three years ago.

The office, located at the Diamond, next door to ‘Deirdre’s of the Diamond’ in the town, will sharea space with a new Traders’ Office and will provide information on attractions, evnets and more in the Inishowen town, as well as across the peninsula.

The official opening ceremony was performed on Tuesday, during which a substantial crowd gathered to view the new facility.

It is hoped it will provide a valuable service to tourists while also ensuring they stay within the town and peninsula that little while longer.

The opening follows on from a number of hugely successful events held by the Traders’ Association, icluding a New Years’ Eve Extravaganza, Halloween Parade and more.

Chairperson of the Traders’ Association, Deirdre Bradley said the offices will benefit all of Inishowen, not just Carndonagh.

Speaking at the official opening, she thanked the local community for coming out in such large numbers to support the event.

“Every time we’ve something on, we know we can depend on you.”

She also thanked Ashley Martin for fitting the building, artist Sharon McDaid for presenting htme with a painting and helping with the design, the lady who provided the premises ‘as it all fell into the place because of that,’ Inishowen Development Partnership, Heidi Woods and everyone at Explore Inishowen for their help, Donegal County Councilwho were ‘behind them from the word go,’ as well as the Community Employment Scheme and supervisor Brendan Crummey.

Ms Bradley also paid tribute to the Carndonagh Drama Club who donated the proceeds of their recent play - over E2000 - which greatly helped with the opening of the facility, alongside the winnings from Carndonagh being named as the regional winner in the National Enterprise Town Awards.

“We’re delighted to be at this stage, we didn’t think we’d be here as quickly as we are.”

Ms Bradley also welcomed Inishowen’s two newly elected TDs, Padraig MacLochlainn and Charlie McConalogue and quipped they would ‘knocking at your doors.’

There will be two employees in the new offices, Adrian McGuinness and Nan Allen.