Gleann Cholm Cille Co. Dhún na nGall, Éire (Glencolmcille, Co. Donegal, Ireland) Fón: 074 9730017 or 9730334 Fax: 074 9730334 In'tl: 353 74 9730017 or 9730334

return to introduction

The Glencolmcille Folk Village Museum is a cluster of six small cottages, called a "clachan," perched on a hillside overlooking a sandy curve of nearby Glenbay beach.

The cottages are neatly white-washed, each with a traditional half-door, designed to keep the animals out and the people in.

The roof of each cottage is thatched in the distinctive rounded Donegal style, tied down securely with rope and pegs to protect the thatching from the fierce westerly winds off the ocean.

Teach Scoile na nDunhacha (Dooey School House):

This building is representatiave of a 19th century local school. In it you will find a display of old photographs and historical information plus a collection of old artifacts.

	Teach: Each cottage recreates a different era of Irish history - from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, is filled with household implements, kitchen utensils, furniture, pictures, and clothing brought from all the surrounding homes of the valley. In addition, there is a reconstructed school house, sheebeen (pub), and a tea room/craft shop displaying the works of local artists, knitters, and weavers. Designed, assembled, and maintained by the local people, this folk village is one of Ireland's best living-history museums.
Our nature walk: To the rear of the folk village, along the hillside you will find a small nature walk. As you begin the walk you will notice various replicas of items from local history including: a round tower, limekiln, hedge school, standing stones and mass rock. As the seasons change so do the wildflowers - from daffodils and snowdrops to bluebells and more.