Perched overlooking the idyllic Glen Bay Beach in southwest Donegal’s Gaeltacht, Glencolmcille Folk Village is a replica of a typical Irish rural village.
Offering a close-up look at daily life in the area over centuries past, Glencolmcille Folk Village is one of the more unique Donegal attractions, and it showcases the heritage, culture, and ingenuity of the local population.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at visiting Glencolmcille Folk Village, providing insight into the tour as well as things to see when there.
About Glencolmcille Folk Village
The Folk Village Museum was the brainchild of Donegal priest Father James McDyer. Since opening way back in 1967 with three cottages, the attraction has welcomed many through its doors.
Indeed, Father McDyer is something of a local hero. He worked to bring amenities, community projects and increased industry to the area, helping to put a dent in some being forced to emigrate and from others begin stuck in unemployment.
Down the years Glencolmcille Folk Village has gone from strength to strength, with the museum remaining an integral part of the local community. People regularly donate their knowledge, time, heirlooms, tales and images to better the experience for visitors.
The Glencolmcille Folk Village Tour
Most visitors here tend to opt to opt for the excellent Glencolmcille Folk Village tour, which whisks visitors on a journey through life in the 18th, 19th and 20th century in the area.
The tour offers a unique insight into how people lived, cooked, slept, worked and stayed warm during what were harsh and challenging times for many.
The Glencolmcille Folk Village tour offers a deep insight into the lives of people in the Glencolmcille area in centuries past.
With expert guidance, visitors can get up close and personal with village life in rural Ireland. For those with ancestry tracing back to Ireland, this can provide a unique look at how their forefathers lived.
Opening hours
The tour is open from Easter until September 30th and then has limited runs through October up until Halloween.
Admission/ticket price
The price of admission to the Glencolmcille Folk Village is €6 for adults, with children over seven pay €2.50 and those under seven go free. Seniors, students and other concessions will pay €5 for entry.
Things to keep an eye out for when visiting Glencolmcille Folk Village
Glencolmcille Folk Village is packed with areas and items of interest, yet some elements are undoubtedly more popular than others.
When you visit, make sure to keep an eye out for the Fisherman’s cottage, the schoolhouse and the Clachan.
1. The Clachlan
One of the most visited areas at the village is the Clachlan, which is historically a set of small single-story cottages where farming or fishing people lived.
Often situated on poor land, each cottage at the village showcases a different time in Irish history. The cottages at the village are white-washed, with a classic half-door design that keeps the animals out!
Roofs remain thatched in Donegal style, tied down with rope and pegs to stop the thatching from blowing away under notorious Atlantic Ocean winds.
2. The Fisherman’s Cottage
Then there is the Fisherman’s Cottage, an exhibition house that opened in 2011 along with the pub-grocer.
The Fisherman’s cottage shows the village fishermen’s lives and is related in style to the cottages lived in by artist Rockwell Kent and poet Dylan Thomas in the early 20th century.
For visitors with an interest in art, there are examples of work linked to their visit shown in the Schoolhouse and Tea Rooms.
3. The Schoolhouse
Speaking of which, the Schoolhouse and Tea Rooms section of the village is another key area. Officially the Dooey School House building, it is a model of a classic 19th century Donegal school.
With plenty of vintage images on display and historical info as well as a collection of items. As previously mentioned, poetry and art by artists who have visited the area figure heavily in this section of the village.
Places to visit near Glencolmcille Folk Village
There are heaps of brilliant places to visit a stone’s throw from Glencolmcille Folk Village, for those of you looking to explore more of this corner of Donegal.
There’s everything from beaches and cliffs to scenic drives (for the many wet and wild days Donegal gets) to a secret waterfall and more.
1. Malin Beg Beach (10-Minute Drive)
The mighty Malin Beg is one of the finest beaches in Donegal, and it’s only down the road from the folk village. This is a fine little spot where you can stretch the legs or admire the beach from the grassy banks above.
2. The ‘Secret’ Waterfall (23-Minute Drive)
Before you consider visiting this place, read our guide to Largy Waterfall, as there are several things you need to be aware of for your own safety.
This little slice of natural splendor has shot to fame in recent years, and it’s one of several stunning waterfalls in Donegal worth a visit.
3. Slieve League (23-Minute Drive)
The magnificent Sliabh Liag Cliffs are some of the highest cliffs in Ireland (there also up there with the highest sea cliffs in Europe).
The cliffs here never fail to amaze and they’re perfect for long walks (you can park at the entrance and walk up) or for those with limited mobility (you can drive up near the viewing point).
4. Glengesh Pass (25-Minute Drive)
Another brilliant addition to your visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village is the fantastic Glengesh Pass, which is arguably one of the most unique roads in Donegal after Mamore Gap.
If stunning mountain scenery and an experience that you won’t forget any time soon tickles your fancy, this road is well worth taking.
5. Assaranca Waterfall (37-Minute Drive)
Assaranca Waterfall can be found 8km southeast of the gorgeous little town of Ardara and just 1km past the village of Leaconnell in County Donegal.
The waterfall is located right next to the road, so it’s a handy place to visit when the weather’s bad.
6. Maghera Beach and Caves (35-Minute Drive)
And finally, Maghera Beach and Caves. This is a beautiful, wild beach where you can enjoy the white sand even on a cold rainy day as the coastline here is stunning.
The Maghera caves are beneath Slievetooey Mountain with around 20 or so caverns and eight natural arches on the coast.
By: theirishroadtrip.com