Art, Architecture and Heritage - traditional to contemporary

Sometimes you can find artistic masterpieces in the most unlikely locations. While Donegal is famous for it rugged landscape, beautiful beaches, textiles and traditional music it is also home to some beautiful art and architecture - from traditional to contemporary.

Within easy range of Breac.House, you can find an eclectic mix of ancient, historic and contemporary architecture including ancient Celtic monuments, middle-ages castles, 19^th century lighthouses and innovative 20^th century modernist churches.

Donegal has also been an artist’s haven for centuries, given the rugged landscape and constantly changing northern light. As a result there are a number of interesting galleries and studios which you can visit to explore including The Green Door (Port na Blagh) and The Gallery (Dunfanaghy).

Our picks of the places to visit would be :

The Liam McCormick churches : The architect Liam McCormick designed 7 modernist style churches in Donegal, completed in the 1960’s and 70’s. Their beauty lies in their simplicity and the quality of materials used. Deeply innovative for conservative Ireland during this period, they stand as testament to the architect, builders and local commissioning clergy alike. They can be approached as either (or both) beautiful buildings in their own right or as a functioning church with their attendant spirituality and reverence. Each one has a unique story and contains works of art or craft including beautiful stained glass windows, sculpture and furniture. If you had to choose, our favourite 3 are St Michael’s (in nearby Creeslough), Burt and Desertegney. The other 4 are in Milford, Murlog, Glenties and Donoughmore

The Glebe House & Gallery is one of our favourites, former home of artist Derek Hill which now houses an amazing collection of work – his own, that of Donegal artists (particularly the Tory Island school of artists which he nurtured) and a mixed bag of oriental/ international work. From James Dixon to Pablo Picasso to Prince Charles - a truly eclectic collection which we are privileged to have nearby. Set in an old Georgian rectory with a lovely courtyard tearoom and beautiful lakeside gardens. Make sure to take the guided tour. To go deeper on Derek Hill, you can visit Tory Island and see the source of his inspiration and maybe spot one of the next generation of island artists at work en-plein-air. (Note : The Glebe House, Gallery & gardens are currently closed for renovation – check out the website for latest opening date).

Ray Cross : A hidden middle-ages gem located just a few minutes’ drive away from Breac.House. This is the oldest and tallest Celtic Cross in the world, dating from the 6^th Century. Unlike its twin cross on Iona island in Scotland, which attracts over a million visitors a year, you will likely be here on your own. History oozes out of every stone in this place, from the 6^th century cross (re-erected where it originally stood) to the 18^th century abandoned church. Locals are reluctant to go inside, a throwback to the 17^th century Cromwellian massacre which occurred on this site.

Regional Cultural Centre (Letterkenny) : Possibly the most contemporary building in Donegal or perhaps in Ireland ? Think Frank Guhry meets Tado Ando but in unassuming Letterkenny ! Award winning architecture by MacGabhan Architects (same architects as Breac.House – look out for the number of design similarities, starting with the rooflines). The RCC has one of Ireland’s best “white cube” exhibition rooms which houses contemporary art exhibitions. The performance space is a lovely venue for film, live musical & dramatic performances. A beacon of art and architecture in an otherwise uninspiring rural town – an artistic paradox in its own right.

Doe Castle : Built on the shores of Sheephaven Bay in the 1420’s, this tower style castle was the ancestral home of the MacSweeney clan. While currently derelict it is possible to visit (and guided tours can sometimes be arranged in advance). The little adjacent graveyard is also a gem of history and heritage.

Fanad Lighthouse – one of Ireland’s most picturesque buildings and a 19^th century architectural feat. One of the few lighthouses which you can get inside to visit – it is a great tour. You can also stay in the lighthouse keepers houses – before or after visiting Breac.House – booked via their own website.

Grianan of Aileach – Ancient celtic ringfort located in a dramatic location on the top of a hill overlook all of the land and sea around – including across to Scotland on a good day. What you see there now is largely a 19^th century reconstruction of what would have stood here in the 6^th or 7^th century. Many local historians also believe that this was the site of an even older settlement, possibly Neolithic era similar to Newgrange in Co.Meath.

St Eunan’s Cathedral – worth visiting for the famous Harry Clarke stained glass alone.

Glenveagh Castle : A beautiful baronial style castle on the lake of Lough Veagh within Glenveagh National Park. Beautiful 4km walk or electric bus up to the caste. Once inside, there are a range of eclectic rooms which tell the story of the successive owners of the castle since the1850’s, including their world-famous visitors. Our favourite room is the AE (George Russell) room. You can also take time to walk beyond the castle up to the waterfall and the head of the glen.