Volt House, Raphoe

Opened in 2002 by President Mary McAleese, Volt House became an important resource for the people of Raphoe.  The primary aim of Volt House is to serve all areas of the community and to that end many and various groups use the facility.   After lying vacant and derelict for 13 years Volt House, the oldest dwelling house in the Diamond, was brought back to life under a community initiative costing nearly a quarter of a million pounds.

The historic house dates back to the early 1700s. It was purchased by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Raphoe in 1732 and eventually become home to widows of Church of Ireland clergy. Its last residents were the Cove family. Stephen Cave who was Dean of Raphoe, his wife Elizabeth and their four small children arrived in the Volt House in 3uly 1972. Sadly the Reverend Cave passed away the following year but the family stayed and made it their home for the next 14 years.

When it was no longer used by relatives of the clergy in recent years the building unfortunately fell into disrepair requiring sizeable funds to restore it.  Thanks to the efforts of Raphoe Community in Action the House was saved and now serves the wider population of the area. On completion of the restoration new life was breathed into this historic building and now many of the community groups working with young and old use Volt House and contribute to the social and cultural life of the town. 

The Raphoe Heritage Project is also based in Volt House gathering and conserving information and facts on this historic town. Last Christmas they held their first Christmas Market in front of Volt House which proved a major success and is a date once again for next December.  Their next project is The Roots Music Concert to be held in the Diamond on the 3rd of June next.  

Another group is Voice of Older People who have an office in the premises and serve the needs of older people in the community. Tidy Towns have an office there and with the assistance of Fas do a wonderful job in keeping the town looking welcoming and in good shape.  Art classes for both adults and children are held in the historic building. Raphoe Community in Action holds an annual May Fair which will take place on the 26th May next. 

For further information on Volt House click on the link below: