Donegal barracks is new visitor centre

Falcarragh Visitor Centre, known locally as an tSean Bheairic or the Old Barracks, was officially opened yesterday by the chairman…

Falcarragh Visitor Centre, known locally as an tSean Bheairic or the Old Barracks, was officially opened yesterday by the chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, Mr Willie McCarter.

Originally constructed in 1890 as the Police Barracks and used as such until 1920 when it became a Garda station, it was acquired by the Falcarragh Tourism and Traders Community Group in 1998.

The development showcases the unique history of an tSean Bheairic as well as the culture and heritage of the Donegal Gaeltacht Region while also acting as a community resource for the people of Falcarragh as well as a visitor centre.

It was supported by the International Fund for Ireland, Údaras na Gaeltachta, Roinn na Gaeltachta, Donegal County Council, Meithheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta and local community funding. Mr Josie Doohan, of Tourism and Traders Community Group, called it a "very impressive visitor centre."