Eamonn Bonner is Manager of the Arranmore Development & Community Centre and is a familiar face to all guests and residents who visit or live on the island.
Eamonn is originally from Burtonport Co. Donegal and has worked in Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh Árainn Mhór since 2016.
Bonner is also a well-known poet and makes his own range of Donegal themed greeting cards.
He is also Chairman of North West Words, a voluntary arts group based in Donegal.
(1) Where is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
The Rosses – the place where I grew up it has it all. Great people and the scenery is fantastic: mountains, lakes, Islands and the wild Atlantic Ocean.
(2) Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
Enya – she’s from down the road, but her unique style of music is known and loved around the world.
What a voice. A multi-talented, multi-instrument musician, she stays true to her Celtic roots.
(3) What do you think is Donegal’s best tourist attraction?
Donegal People- they’re open, friendly, good craic, have great accents and are loved wherever they go.
(4) Do you prefer Donegal summers or Donegal winters?
I like the winters – I know, I know, but it’s quiet & peaceful and there are the open fires and long evenings.
(5) What would you do on your ideal day out in Donegal?
A day in the Rosses with Maria my partner and our mad dog Bailey – Walking around the beaches & cliffs taking photographs then something to eat in the Waterfront Hotel – no cooking that day. It’s a beautiful hotel with fantastic food and there is a great view over the sea.
(6) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Most of the stock in McGettigan’s Bakery in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre would be on my list. Love their fresh cream swiss roll in particular.
(7) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
It would have to be the one and only Daniel O’Donnell -he ALWAYS mentions Donegal when he can, and for years now he’s brought music fans to the County and promoted it as a place to visit.
(8) Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Deirdre Mc Glone from Harvey’s Point Hotel would be my choice. A world-class hotel business right here among the hills in Donegal – stayed there once and it was every bit as good as made out to be. Everyone should go there – it’s a real treat.
(9) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Packie Bonner -he played for Celtic & Ireland and was the pride of Donegal and the whole country at the world Cup in Italia 90.
(10) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
The Yellow Pepper Letterkenny has a great menu with a great variety of dishes and fantastic desserts -I always check what the desserts are first, and yes I know – that’s food mentioned again.
(11) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
Litter, Litter, Litter – it drives me crazy when I see where people dump their rubbish all around the county. They know it’s wrong and they still do it.
If I had a magic wand I would make it all disappear.
(12) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
‘No bother’.
(13) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Getting a job that pays a reasonable wage in their own area.
(14) Do you have a favourite local band?
Pat Gallagher from Goats Don’t Shave is a great singer/songwriter – I listen to his CD’s when I’m driving.
(15) Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
Both – they’re two great Rosses men and here in Donegal we’re always proud of them and what they do – couldn’t make a difference in them.
(16) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
Yes – we’re nice people here.
If you’re from Donegal – you’re accepted everywhere.
Check out Arranmore’s recently launched new website here.
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