The County Donegal Heritage Office has launched the 'Heritage Towns of County Donegal' brochure.

Leading conservation architect and author Patrick Shaffrey, who has undertaken detailed research on the architectural heritage of Irish towns, officially unveiled the publication.

Ballyshannon historian and former President of the Donegal Historical Society Anthony Begley also joined officials for the launch, and discussed local architectural and cultural heritage.

Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer, said: "The 'Heritage Town' concept is based on the principle that a number of towns with a strong physical character and built heritage would be developed as being representative of the heritage of Ireland.

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"It was intended that the designation of 'Heritage Towns' would have the dual effect of helping to conserve the built environment of these towns and of providing a marketing tool for the tourism industry.

"The towns of Ardara, Ballyshannon, Moville, Ramelton and Raphoe are designated as 'Heritage Towns' by Donegal County Council under the Donegal County Development Plan."

The series of bilingual brochures on the 'Heritage Towns of County Donegal' include an individual brochure on each of the five 'Heritage Towns' and a general brochure.

The brochures set out a heritage trail for each of the 'Heritage Towns' with a selection of built and cultural heritage sites along it.

"It was wonderful to have Anthony Begley and Patrick Shaffrey with their considerable knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for the historical development and built heritage of Ballyshannon join us at the launch," added Mr Gallagher.

(PR/JM)