AWAKE Tourism

Projects

A brief summary of active projects are outlined below – each project is led by a board sponsor and voluntary committee to assist with necessary work to complete required tasks. This is only a small selection of projects and we will do our best to keep this updated.

Festivals

AWAKE Tourism engages with tourism representatives such as Failte Ireland annually to secure funding for putting on the festivals in the town that make us famous. From the Cup of Tae festival to the new Wild Atlantic Festival, the funding that brings great musical and performer talent to the town is covered by our festival funding each year.

Town Regeneration Strategy

Engaging with Donegal County Council and Doherty Architects, members of AWAKE Tourism are actively working to define a ten year plan for the town in terms of a future focus on civil, tourism and facilities requirements for the town within the next decade. To date this has featured a strong element of public engagement through in person and online surveys. The roadmap resulting from this work will form the basis of a plan, funded by Donegal County Council for their vision for the future of Ardara.

Local Authority Waters Programme

Ardara has benefitted from funding from the Local Authority Waters Programme secured by AWAKE Tourism to enhance understanding and appreciation of our local waterways. Delivered through a series of nature walks including bat walk, insect walk and visits to schools within the parish from Michael Bell of Nature Learn. Plans are in place for two new interpretive signs along the Owenea River and Drumbarron walk.

Minor Tourism Projects

The new interpretive panels in the Heritage Centre including research, design and fit out were executed by members of AWAKE Tourism and funding secured through town tourism grants. In addition, the re-roofing of O’Rourke’s cottage on the back road to preserve this important part of the town’s heritage. Future grants for development of the site into a tourism attraction are being considered by Donegal County Council.

Road Maintenance

A number of roads around the parish have been re-tarred in recent times including Ardlougher and Loughconnell. This was organised through funding secured by AWAKE Tourism.

Christmas Lights and Carol Service

AWAKE Tourism led the fundraising efforts for the install, certification and repair of this year’s Christmas lights in addition to funding the energy bill. AWAKE Tourism also organised the switching on of the lights event and the Christmas carol service at the Diamond in December 2022.

Walkways

The surfacing of the Drumbarron walk and Bio-Diversity lane are two projects undertaken by AWAKE Tourism to help provide safe, natural and engaging walking routes throughout the town for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Community Centre

The management and maintenance of the Community Centre has passed to AWAKE Tourism since 2022 from the Town Trustees. A vital but under-utilised part of the community AWAKE’s aim is to restore this building into regular usage as a community asset. This will be a priority in 2023.

Heritage Centre

The overall management of the Heritage Centre (minus the café space) falls within AWAKE Tourism as an important hub of tourism information and cultural experience within the town.