Donegal Town's famous Diamond will re-open tomorrow

The iconic Diamond in Donegal Town is set to reopen to the public tomorrow, Friday June 28 2024 following an extensive regeneration project. This is a partial reopening as there remains one small section of paving to be completed in July 2024.

The project has seen the refurbishment of the iconic Diamond area with new seating, paving, lighting and planting and a new community canopy and entertainment space for use by the community, businesses, individuals and other groups.

A key element of the works has been to develop an inclusive, accessible and welcoming pedestrian space in the centre of the historical Diamond for locals and visitors alike and for this reason the Council has designated the centre of the Diamond, where the new public realm works have been undertaken, as a pedestrian-only zone.  

This means that cars, vans, motorbikes (or any mechanically propelled vehicle) will not be allowed on the centre of the Diamond and the Council is seeking the support and co-operation of all users in terms of complying with this direction, particularly in the interest of health and safety, as well as ensuring the maximum enjoyment for all users of the space. Alternative parking options are available for all vehicles in car parks in the vicinity.  

ABOVE: Diamond Pedestrian zone

These works have been funded under the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Outdoor Public Space Scheme under Project Ireland 2040 along with co-funding from Donegal County Council. Local architectural firm, Paul Doherty Architects Ltd., led out on the new design of the space while the main contractors were Dungloe based Axis Construction Ltd.

The new community canopy and entertainment space will be available for those wishing to run events and the space must be booked in advance with Donegal Town Community Chamber by e-mailing development@donegaltown.ie for more information.

The Donegal Town Summer Festival, which will take place on June 29 and 30 will provide an excellent opportunity for festival goers to enjoy the newly refurbished space as part of the weekend celebrations and the 550th Anniversary of the founding of Donegal Town.

The new community canopy and entertainment space is weatherproofed and will provide a much-needed outdoor venue for hosting regular events and other activities that will increase footfall to the town all year round.