Visitor Information
The Workhouse is right along the Wild Atlantic Way, making it a go-to place for visitors. We have a plethora of information and recommendations of things to do for families, couples, individuals and groups, both within the community, such as our Heritage Trail, and across Donegal. We can also recommend places to stay, eat and spend rainy days, including our own Famine Exhibition
The Craft Shop
The Craft Shop is located between the original reception buildings and is the central point of the Workhouse. The Craft Shop boasts a variety of products from local Irish sellers, including but not limited to prints of local landscapes, delftware, knitwear, throws, and foodstuffs.
We also sell books on Irish interest, history and language, as well as a wonderful collection of Irish Children’s Books. If you’re looking to find unique items and support Irish artists/sellers, our shop is the place to be.
Coffee Shop
Sit in the original reception building of the Workhouse and enjoy a nice tea or coffee. Our coffee shop is bright and inviting for all customers, and we offer an array of sweet treats and bakes to get you through the day. We want to continue supporting Irish businesses in our coffee shop so our coffee is provided by the Stranorlar-based coffee company, The Hatter Coffee Co.
We also provide Free Wifi to all our visitors and a selection of second-hand books available at €2 each. All proceeds from our second-hand books goes towards the upkeep of our playpark.
Heritage Trail
The Dunfanaghy Heritage Trail was launched in October 2021 at the Workhouse. This project was run by the Dunfanaghy Tidy Towns with support from the Donegal County Council.
This Historic walking trail takes visitors through the village of Dunfanaghy with an accompanying app to 10 different points, with the first point starting at the Workhouse. Each point is accompanied with an audio track that lasts 3-5mins and is offered in both Gaeilge and English. The Workhouse is the first point on the trail so make sure to call in, grab yourself a tea or coffee, and our staff will send you on your way.
Famine Exhibition
Come and hear the history of the Workhouse through our Famine Exhibition – from its construction in 1843-45, it’s life both throughout and after the famine, all the way until it became the Heritage Centre we know today. Our exhibition is a self-guided audio tour that takes you through our gallery spaces. Learn about the people that lived here, the impact the workhouse had on the local community, the famine and the story of “Wee” Hannah Herrity, a woman who survived its hardships, as told by her own words. At the end of the tour, enjoy a short film showcasing Dunfanaghy from the 30s to the 60s, and be sure to sign their visitor book on your way out.
Playpark
With equipment for children of all ages, it’s easy to spend an afternoon out at the Workhouse playground. Kids can play and run around while parents can take it easy on one of our benches or in the little gazebo. You can park right up to the gate and it’s open all year round.
Tourist Information
The Workhouse is right along the Wild Atlantic Way, making it a go-to place for visitors. We have a plethora of information and recommendations of things to do for families, couples, individuals and groups, both within the community, such as our Heritage Trail, and across Donegal. We can also recommend places to stay, eat and spend rainy days, including our own Famine Exhibition
Group Tours & Bookings
We are always happy to accommodate groups, school tours and bus tours. Contact our Heritage and Education Officer to organise a tour that meets the specific requirements of your group. We want our guests to get as much out of their visit as possible.