Call for Raphoe to become major tourism destination - Donegal News

RAPHOE’S status must be upgraded and elevated on a par with Donegal’s most famous towns, it is claimed. Independent Cllr Frank McBrearty earmarked St Eunan’s Cathedral in Raphoe, Beltany Stone Circle, and Raphoe Castle for sightseeing. He said: “Donegal Town has a castle and a focus, but we have a better castle – and it’s in […]

RAPHOE’S status must be upgraded and elevated on a par with Donegal’s most famous towns, it is claimed.

Independent Cllr Frank McBrearty earmarked St Eunan’s Cathedral in Raphoe, Beltany Stone Circle, and Raphoe Castle for sightseeing.

He said: “Donegal Town has a castle and a focus, but we have a better castle – and it’s in ruins and lying derelict.”

Cllr McBrearty added that a proper tourism plan could “bring in millions” to Raphoe and said those in charge of carrying out such a plan would need to be “shovel ready”.

He made the claims at the recent Municipal District (MD) meeting for Lifford-Stranorlar amid calls for a structured business plan to improve tourism in Raphoe and surrounding areas.

He said: “Raphoe is one of the oldest towns in the county and it is the centre of this constituency.

“I am requesting a workshop with the relevant sections of the council to discuss tourism in east Donegal and to start working on a business plan to enhance this area.

“From Glenfin to St Johnston, and in between Lifford, Castlefinn, Liscooley and Convoy, Raphoe is the centre and you work your way out.”

Cllr McBrearty said: “We are six elected members and we need to sit in a room together with the head honchos of the council in relation to tourism in east Donegal.

“We need a business plan to discuss a way going forward. I do not see any real progress in my 17 years on the council.”

Cllr McBrearty previously spoke at the annual general meeting of the Lifford-Stranorlar MD in May about the need for greater emphasis on developing Raphoe as a tourism destination – and this week expressed disappointment that he has not had a response.

Olivia Gallen, who is general manager of the council’s Donegal 2040 project that was set up to drive job creation, added that she was aware that the issue had been raised at the last council meeting, but did not have an update for Cllr McBrearty due to the absence of a member of her department.

This week, Cllr Patrick McGowan, who is Cathaoirleach of Lifford-Stranorlar MD, agreed with the proposal for a meeting to discuss strategies for the area.

He suggested applying for funding from schemes such as the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) and Peaceplus.

The council’s Director of Housing, MD services, and Capital Project, Anne Marie Conlon, provided a response.

She said she would explore the possibility of holding a workshop on the issue before the next MD meeting in September.

A midday view of the skyline of Raphoe in the fog with two of the town’s attractions St Eunan’s Cathedral and Raphoe Castle. Photo Brian McDaid.

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