For some reason, Glencolmcille Folk Village tends to get missed by some who visit the glorious corner of County Donegal that it inhabits.
Perched overlooking the idyllic Glen Bay Beach in south-west 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.
Some quick need-to-knows about Glencolmcille Folk Village
Photo courtesy Fáilte Ireland
Although a visit to the Glencolmcille Folk Village is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
You’ll find it in the village of Glencolmcille. It’s a 30-minute drive from Killybegs, a 35-minute drive from Ardara and a 1-hour drive from Donegal Town.
2. Opening hours
The Folk Village is open from:
- Easter until September 30th: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00
- October 1st – 31st: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 to 16:30.
3. Prices
Admission to the Folk Village in Glencolmcille is as follows (note: prices may change):
- Adults: €7
- Senior: €6
- Group: €6 (over 11 people)
- Students: €6
How the Glencolmcille Folk Village came about
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.
Father McDyer 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.
What to expect from the Glencolmcille Folk Village Tour
Photos courtesy of Martin Fleming via Failte Ireland
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.
1. The Clachlan
One of the most visited areas at the village is the Clachlan, which is a set of small single-story cottages where those who made their way via farming or fishing lived.
Often situated on poor land, each cottage at the village showcases a different time in Irish history. The cottages are white-washed, with a classic half-door design that kept the animals out!
Roofs remain thatched in Donegal style, tied down with rope and pegs to stop the thatching from blowing away under wild Atlantic winds.
2. The Fisherman’s Cottage
The Fisherman’s Cottage is 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.
3. The Schoolhouse
Officially the Dooey School House building, it is a model of a classic 19th century Donegal school.
There are plenty of vintage images on display and historical info as well as a collection of items.
Places to visit nearby
There are heaps of brilliant places to visit a stone’s throw from Glencolmcille Folk Village.
I’d strongly recommend the Slieve League Peninsula road trip outlined on the map above. It takes you to:
- Malin Beg (10-Minute Drive): One of the finest beaches in Donegal is within easy reach, as is Maghera Beach (35-minute drive)
- Largy Waterfall (25-Minute Drive): The ‘hidden’ waterfall that requires great care to reach. Nearby Assaranca Waterfall (40-minute drive) is more accessible
- Sliabh Liag Cliffs (25-Minute Drive): The most impressive cliffs in Ireland
- Glengesh Pass (25-Minute Drive): A magnificent road that winds through the mountains
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.