Glencolumbkille has a long history of fighting for its survival against unfriendly Government policies that saw communities on the west coast isolated and ravaged by unemployment and emigration.
The local priest, Father James McDyer, campaigned to save the area in the 1950s and 1960s, and the legacy of his work remains in Glencolumbkille today, in the folk village, the community centre, and a fish-processing factory. He would no doubt be pleased with the success of Oideas Gael and one of its spin-offs, Taipeis Gael. Like Oideas Gael, it is a non-profit-making organisation. It started in 1993, offering a training course in traditional wool dying and weaving skills.
Of the six course participants, four now work full time in a community business producing hand-woven tapestries. Using local wool dyed with heather, lichens and seaweed and spun on traditional Donegal wheels, the tapestries have become collectors' items.
Often taking their inspiration from the spectacular local scenery or the area's folklore, they are unfortunately too expensive for the average household. One now hangs in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, and other customers have included the former US Ambassador, Ms Jean Kennedy Smith.
One of the four artists, Maire Mhic Fhionnaighle started the two-year training course in 1993. She says that apart from reviving old skills and passing them on, the value of Taipeis Gael is that is has increased awareness of art in the community.
Taipeis Gael's workshop is in Malinbeg, where the tapestries can be viewed. Courses in tapestry weaving are available, tel. 073-30325.