Donegal County Museum: A Window into Donegal's Past

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Explore Donegal's heritage at the County Museum in Letterkenny, from ancient artifacts to 20th-century stories, all within a historic workhouse building.

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Donegal County Museum

Located in Letterkenny, the Donegal County Museum offers a captivating journey through the county's history, from prehistoric times to the 20th century. Housed in a beautifully restored 1840s stone building that was once part of the Letterkenny Workhouse, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits.

A brief summary to Donegal County Museum

High Rd, Letterkenny, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, IE
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Monday 10 am-12:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-12:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-12:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-12:30 pm
Friday 10 am-12:30 pm
Saturday 1 pm-4:30 pm

Local tips

Check the museum's website or social media pages for information on temporary exhibitions and events during your visit.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and collections.
The museum is closed for lunch from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

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Getting There

Walking

From Letterkenny Bus Station, walk north on the High Road for approximately 200 meters. The museum will be on your left.
Public Transport

The Donegal County Museum is easily accessible by bus. Several local bus routes stop near the museum. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A standard flat fare of €2 applies for adults paying cash, or €1.50 for adults using a Transport for Ireland (TFI) Leap card.
Driving

If driving, approach Letterkenny town center and follow signs for the High Road. The museum is located on the High Road. On-street parking is available, offering 30 minutes free, with a maximum stay of 2 hours. Parking bays operate between 9 AM and 6 PM, Monday to Saturday. Alternatively, several pay and display car parks are located near the town center. You can pay for parking using the Donegal eParking app.

Discover more about Donegal County Museum

The Donegal County Museum, situated on High Road in Letterkenny, provides an insightful exploration of County Donegal's rich history and heritage. The museum is located in a well-preserved stone building that originally served as the Warden's House of the Letterkenny Workhouse, which opened in 1845. The museum's exhibits display artifacts that narrate Donegal's story from the Stone Age to the 20th century. Visitors can explore various aspects of the county's past through collections encompassing archaeology, geology, natural history, social and political events, and folk life. Temporary exhibitions on the ground floor cover diverse topics, ensuring something for all ages and interests. The museum also hosts regular talks on Donegal's flora, fauna, archaeological sites and geology. Donegal County Museum is a 'Designated Museum' and is legally entitled to retain archaeological objects on behalf of the State. The museum is also home to the North West Film Archive, a unique digital collection of archival material from the counties of Donegal and Derry, available for public viewing.