Donegal County Council has been allocated €7 million to progress plans to transform the old Letterkenny Courthouse into a multi-functional education, entertainment and culture centre.
The former Courthouse, a protected structure built between 1828 and 1831, has been vacant since 2018.
The revamped building will feature multi-functional spaces for a tourist/visitor attraction, an integrated Tourist Information Point, exhibitions, conferences, education, civic and cultural use, a café, and a retail/gift shop.
Architectural plans for the project by Robin Lee Architecture
The €7 million allocation announced today is part of a €90 million funding packing announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne under THRIVE – the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.
Welcoming the announcement, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: “This is a great example of how such a well-known and iconic building can be restored and redeveloped into something that will serve to help a town and region.
“Education, entertainment and culture play a huge role in the life and economy of Letterkenny. And given its close proximity to a number of major attractions such as Glenveagh National Park, Errigal Mountain, Fanad Lighthouse, Ards Forest Park and An Grianán of Aileach, Letterkenny has become a major hub for tourism in the region.
“And being very much at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, Letterkenny now has a fantastic opportunity to develop further as a tourist destination through this exciting project.
“The Old Courthouse is a landmark building that was acquired by Donegal County Council a number of years ago. Situated in the heart of Letterkenny town, it is ideally located to be transformed into a tourism and cultural centre,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added.
The Department has said it hopes that all the THRIVE projects will commence towards the end of 2025.
“I very much look forward to works commencing on the Old Letterkenny Courthouse. When complete, this new centre is sure to add vibrancy and activity to Justice Walsh Road and Upper Main Street,” Minister McConalogue commented.
“I’d like to acknowledge the help and assistance of Minister Browne and his team for securing significant funding for this Donegal project and I wish everyone involved with the transformational works well.”
THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme and the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 21-27.
The scheme has been co-designed by the Regional Assemblies and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address European, national and regional policy objectives. Further information is available on the www.nwra.ie and www.southernassembly.ie
€7 million secured for Old Letterkenny Courthouse transformation was last modified: September 17th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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