Image of Errigal taken from the Gweedore road

Errigal - Image courtesy of Emma Russell

Faherna Cottage Courtesy of Margaret Lafferty

Fanad Lighthouse - Image courtesy of Martin Flemming

Raphoe Castle - Image courtesy of Daragh Mc Donough

spring time

image of Sunday eve in Dunfanaghy by Sarah Sayers

Image courtesy of Sarah Sayers

Sunset from Malin Bridge

Welcome to the homepage of the The Donegal Diaspora Project.

Donegal Person of the Year Announced!

Moya Doherty with her sons Mark & Paul

Moya Doherty, a native of Pettigo, has been named Donegal Person of the Year for 2014. The announcement was held in Dublin’s Mansion House on Tuesday 27th January much to the delight of the gathered audience.

Moya was born in Pettigo and lived there until she was seven years old with her parents and four brothers & sisters. Her parents were both teachers and taught locally in the area. All the family moved to Dublin... Read more.

Project

Finding your Donegal Roots

Image of thatched cottage in countryside

Connecting members of the Diaspora with their Donegal Roots. This is my passion. I have been an amateur family historian for almost 14 years now, working mainly in County Donegal. Whilst researching my own family, I began to realise that hundreds... Read more.

Bealach na Gaeltachta!

Discover Donegal - Bealach na Gaeltachta!

Bealach na Gaeltachta, the Gaeltacht Way is a wonderful walking route that comprises four circular long-distance trails in West Donegal. All four trails are designated as National... Read more.

Place

Ionad Cois Locha

Located on the shores of Dunlewey Loch in the Poisoned Glen of Gweedore, Ionad Cois Locha is a popular visitors centre, a real jewel in a magical place, steeped in history. Founded as a heritage centre and run by local people,it is a restored two... Read more.

Diaspora Library and Archives

The Donegal Library and Archive Service is a first point of call for anyone wishing to learn about life in the county – past and present. This rich resource comprises books, maps, photographs, archives, microfilms, newspapers, original documents... Read more.

Profile

Pat Crerand

Patrick Timothy (Pat / Paddy) Crerand was born on the 19th of February 1939 in the Gorbals area of Glasgow to Irish émigré parents. His father, Michael Crerand, hailed from Newtonstewart, County Tyrone and his mother, Sarah 'Tim' Boyle was from... Read more.

Story

What Makes Donegal Special?

Ardara Weaver

Currans of Creeslough

Donegal Islands Digital Archive

Organisation

Lough Derg- St Patrick’s Purgatory

Lough Derg is situated about four miles north of the village of Pettigo in County Donegal. The small lake-island renowned in Irish Christian tradition since the time of St. Patrick, has been receiving pilgrims for well over 1000 years. St.... Read more.

Donegal Clans

Flight of the Earls Monument. Rathmullan. Photo Courtesy of Michael McFadden

A hugely important part of Donegal’s history and heritage is contained in the names of its people – families such as O’Donnell, Doherty, McGinley, Gallagher, O’Neill and Sweeney. Have you ever wondered where these names came from? In fact, they... Read more.