The spiritual, cultural and economic history of Dún Allt in Gleann Colm Cille is set to be uncovered in a fascinating TV documentary this week.
TG4’s Bailte series will be heading to South West Donegal this Thursday to explore a unique townland which has fully embraced the tourism boom of recent years.
Presenter Síle Nic Chonaonaigh will visit the spiritual and ancient Dún Allt (Doonalt) to meet a number of people are the heart of the community.
One feature will see Síle meeting Paidí Mac Giolla Easbuic, one of Dún Allt’s best known local characters. He tells Síle about Dún Allt pilgrim traditional that stretches back thousands of years.
Since pagan times, the Celts and then the Christians have all left their mark on this ancient glen.
While it has become no longer possible to sustain a family with farming and fishing, Paidí is hopeful for the future of his village as it is now attracting a new generation of pilgrims as cultural and heritage tourists come from all over the world to the glen at the edge of the world.
Máireád Nic Fhionnghaile will give an account of the benefits the Glencolumbkille folk village has given to the local community. Built on the edge of Dún Allt over 50 years village it has been central to employment in the area. It was one of the first ‘folk villages’ of its type in Europe and is one of the most visited attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Elsewhere, Síle will meet Gráinne Rua Ní Ghallachóir.
Gráinne Rua came to Dún Allt in 1992 on the same day that Donegal won their first ever All-Ireland football title. She came to the village for work but fell in love with a local man and it is now her home. Gráinne and Síle will visit the local fort on the cliff edge, the fort from where the village got its place name. Constructed by the Celts, local folklore tells that the fort was occupied by a single family whose job was to protect the people of the glen from invaders.
