Celebrating 50 years in business 1967-2017, Glencolmcille Folk Village is located in the beautiful Gaeltacht valley of Glencolmcille, situated along the dramatic coastline of Glen Bay with its spectacular views of Glen Head. (Cionn Ghlinne). When you visit the Folk Village, you will experience a genuine Irish welcome with the cottages offering an authentic glimpse into rural Ireland during 1700’s ,1800’s and 1900’s. Pick up a couple of phrases in Irish from us on your visit.

Fr James McDyer, the Folk Village founder, was appointed as Catholic curate to Glencolmcille in December 1951. He saw a valley being destroyed by emigration and poor social amenities and he resolved to challenge the political systems that led to such a decline of rural communities. He initiated numerous projects, first building a local village hall (Halla Mhuire), establishing agricultural shows, sports days, a large holiday village and Errigal Seafood Factory. He went on to establish a hand knitting co-operative and the knitting factory opened shortly afterwards.
The Folk Village established in 1967 is part of his legacy and its success continues to the present day, attracting thousands of visitors annually to Southwest Donegal. The Folk Village, supported strongly by locals and friends, who have contributed to the unique artefacts on display in the cottages and tea rooms. It is an ideal destination for families and groups. For those of you who can trace your ancestors to Ireland, this is an ideal opportunity to see rural life at first hand.

Visitors may wander at leisure through the Village, or join one of their excellent guided tours. Afterwards browse their well-stocked Craft Shop with its large selection of locally-made knitwear, local tapestries, and local handcrafts. They also stock souvenirs and gifts that you can purchase for those back home. Their CD collection features many well know local and Donegal musicians and their books on Irish history , culture and crafts can be bought in English and also as Gaeilge.
After shopping you can relax in their Tea House (Teach Tae) for a warm bowl of soup, a chat and maybe a delicious Irish coffee. You can also wander around their nature trail and take in the splendid views of the beach and Atlantic below.

Throughout the summer season St. Brigid’s Cross/Tapestry/ Knitting craft workshops and traditional music and Irish culture events are also held at the Folk Village. They are developing their craft resources all the time, as part of their 50th anniversary they have commissioned a traditional Donegal loom for our Museum, they look forward to giving demonstrations and talks on weaving in Glencolmcille in the near future.

Tá fáilte an Ghleanna romhat nuair a thugann tú cuairt ar Chlachán Ghleann Cholm Cille. Insítear scéal an phobail stairiúl seo agus cuirfidh tú aithne ar bhunadh na háite atá ag obair anseo chomh maith le fios a fháil ar scéal saoil an Athair Mhic Daidhir.