New Video Launch at the Ardara Heritage Centre: Celebrating Our Living Heritage
We are proud to unveil a new video installation at the Ardara Heritage Centre, now playing at the Tourism Information Desk on our newly installed screen. This short documentary shines a light on the rich tapestry of Ardara’s woollen heritage and the passionate people who continue to weave its story today.
🎥 Watch the Video Here:
This beautiful film is more than just a look back in time—it’s a living, breathing tribute to the craftspeople, storytellers, and heritage keepers who shape Ardara’s unique identity. Visitors can now experience it as part of their journey through the Heritage Centre, offering a deep and meaningful introduction to the spirit of our town.
Meet the Voices of the Video
The video features an ensemble of local legends and dedicated artisans, each bringing a thread of their own to this rich cultural weave:
- Lochlann McGill, renowned author and historian, offers insightful reflections on Ardara’s deep-rooted history and our ancient ancestors’ relationship to the living landscape.
- Stephen McCahill, chairman of Awake Tourism, shares the community’s vision for heritage-driven tourism.
- Colm Sweeney, a skilled weaver, demonstrates the time-honoured techniques passed through generations.
- Michael Molloy, manager of John Molloy Woollen Mills, brings us inside one of Ardara’s most iconic woollen producers.
- Emma Kennedy, third-generation craftsperson at Kennedy Knitwear, speaks to the enduring legacy of family and fabric.
- John Heena, a master weaver, showcases the precision and artistry of traditional handweaving.
- Paul McHugh, one of the founding members of the Ardara Heritage Centre, reminds us why preserving these stories matters more than ever.
Whether you’re a visitor exploring Donegal for the first time or a local with roots deep in this land, this video is an invitation to see Ardara not just as a place on the map, but as a living community where tradition is not only remembered—but lived every day.
📍 Visit Us Next time you’re in Ardara, stop by the Heritage Centre and spend a few moments with this film. Let it guide your exploration of the town, from its bustling woollen mills to its quiet corners filled with stories.
This is our past, present, and future—woven together.
Ardara – A Tale Woven Through Time was produced by Lauren McHugh and Natalie Lough in Awake Tourism and written/directed by Ciaran Dorrian. Supported through funding from Donegal County Council.
