€243,000 allocated for conservation of archaeological monuments across Donegal

Archaeological monuments in County Donegal are set to benefit from funding under the 2026 Community Monuments Fund, with a total allocation of €243,737 to support conservation, maintenance, accessibility and interpretation works at some of the county’s most significant historic sites. 

The Community Monuments Fund is an initiative of the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, delivered in partnership with local authorities, including Donegal County Council.

This year’s funding will assist with essential repairs, the development of conservation management plans and projects that build resilience in monuments to withstand climate change. It will also support efforts to improve public access and deepen understanding of Donegal’s rich archaeological heritage.

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 The five successful applicants in County Donegal for 2026 are: Coiste Forbartha Dhobhair Teo for conservation works at the old church and graveyard, Machaire Gathlán, Gaoth Dobhair (€70,935);Ballyshannon Regeneration Group for essential repairs and conservation of Assaroe Abbey ruins, Ballyshannon (€91,615); Lough Eske Heritage and Community Group for the preparation of a Conservation Management Plan for O’Donnell Castle, Lougheaske Demesne (€29,839); Dunkineely Community CLG for the creation of Dunkineely Digital Heritage Trail (€21,402); and Donegal GAP Heritage and History CLG for the preparation of a visitor access management plan at Doon Fort, Portnoo (€29,945).

“The Community Monuments Fund provides 100% funding to support the protection, care or promotion of archaeological monuments in County Donegal” explained Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer. 

 “The scheme is open to community groups, custodians and landowners across the county who are committed to preserving and promoting our archaeological heritage.  There are over 3,400 archaeological monuments protected under the National Monuments Acts in County Donegal and all of them are eligible for consideration under the scheme.  The scheme is highly competitive and this is indicative of the scale of the challenge facing the protection and conservation of our archaeological monuments.  Since its inception in 2020, the Community Monuments Fund has supported 30 projects in County Donegal with cumulative funding of over €1,440,000.”

All capital works and reports funded under the scheme must be completed by early October 2026.  Donegal County Council’s Heritage Office and County Museum will provide guidance and support to applicants throughout the delivery of their projects.   If you would like to find out what known archaeological monuments are in your area or on your property, you can consult the National Monuments Service website at www.archaeology.ie.

Advance consent for any works to, or in the vicinity of, an archaeological monument must be obtained from the National Monuments Service. 

If you are the owner or guardian of an archaeological monument or historic site or are involved with a community group that would like to conserve your local archaeological heritage, advice is available from the County Donegal Heritage Office by e-mail at heritage@donegalcoco.ie or on (074) 917 2576.