Dungloe and the Rosses showcased beautifully in new tourism brochure
Those who gathered at the official launch heard that the town has much to offer to locals, businesses and visitors
The increasing amount of Irish being spoken in Dungloe was alluded to during the official launch of The Dungloe & Rosses tourism brochure at Ionad Teampall Chróine recently.
The official launch was carried out by the former Leas-Cheann Comhairle Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher who told those gathered that he was honoured to be doing his second official opening in Dungloe within the space of one week.
The brochure was launched in 2016 by Daniel and Majella O'Donnell. The Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga BSG An Chlócháin Léith, Gráinne Nic Niallais, thanked all those who contributed or helped compile the brochure in any way.
As the night began, a video was shown showcasing all the businesses in Dungloe where Irish is spoken. The video showed people from bars, cafes, shops, opticians, garages and garden centres speaking Irish and their adding that they are more than happy to provide a service through the medium of the Irish language.
Helena McClafferty from CDP na Rossan congratulated Gráinne and said she hoped that the brochure would entice tourists to stay for longer in the area. She added that the brochure highlights all that the area has to offer and hoped that tourists themselves may try to speak cúpla focal Gaeilge.
Séamus Ó Gallachóir from Údarás na Gaeltachta spoke wonderfully about the history affiliated with Ionad Teampall Chróine, saying it had been built in 1853 as a Chapel following the Great Famine. He commended the work currently being carried out within the building in terms of culture and language.
He said it didn't come as a surprise to him that Dungloe was chosen as a baile seirbhíse Gaeltachta, an area designated under the Gaeltacht Act, 2012, situated in or adjacent to Gaeltacht area, that have a population of over 1,000 people, and play a significant role in providing public services, recreational and commercial facilities for Gaeltacht residents.
He said the town has an enterprising spirit - a spirit, he said, which spans back to the era of Paddy the Cope.
He said Dungloe offered people the freedom of being able to move around without being obstructed by traffic lights and added that situated on the Wild Atlantic Way could attract tourists.
He said the brochure was excellent in highlighting places, services and past-times for tourists who come to visit as well as highlighting the picturesque scenery which surrounds the town. He also referenced the growth in sporting past-times in and surrounding the town.
In officially launching the brochure, Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher said he was proud to be raised in Dungloe. He outlined the stunning architecture, construction and craftsmanship that went into building Ionad Teampall Chróine adding it more than likely could not be replicated today as it would be extremely costly.
"Ionad Teampall Chróine was built in 1853 without any machinery," he said, adding that it was an historical building in which he had received many of his sacraments.
Mr Gallagher spoke of the blossoming businesses in Dungloe and how the town has expanded over the years. He said that the brochure was the culmination of much work adding it could continue to be updated online, when needed.