Ballyshannon Historic Towns Atlas to Launch with Community Event

The launch of the **Ballyshannon Historic Towns Atlas** is set for **October 9, 2025**, marking a significant milestone in the documentation of the town’s historical development. The atlas aims to provide a comprehensive record of Ballyshannon’s evolution over the centuries, showcasing its unique topographical characteristics.

The initiative is part of the **Irish Historic Towns Atlas**, which was established to capture the historical narratives of selected Irish towns. This project aligns with a broader European effort initiated by the **International Commission for the History of Towns** in **1955**. The new atlas for Ballyshannon has been meticulously researched and authored by **Dr. Angela Byrne**, a local historian from **Donegal**.

At the launch event, Dr. Byrne will present a talk titled “**Hidden Histories: Vanished Traces of Ballyshannon’s Past**,” providing insights into the rich and layered history of the town. According to **Sarah Gearty**, the **Managing and Cartographic Editor** at the Irish Historic Town Atlas, the atlas aims to reveal the many facets of Ballyshannon’s development through carefully curated maps and historical evidence. Gearty emphasized the project’s goal to bring the town’s past to life for both residents and visitors.

The launch will take place at the **Abbey Centre, Tirconnaill Street, Ballyshannon**, starting at **18:00**. This event is a collaboration between the **Royal Irish Academy** and **Donegal County Council**, underlining the importance of local partnerships in preserving and promoting historical knowledge.

Community members and history enthusiasts are encouraged to attend, as the atlas serves not just as a resource for researchers but also as a means to foster local pride and awareness of Ballyshannon’s rich heritage. The event promises to be an engaging exploration of how the town has transformed over time, emphasizing the significance of historical documentation in understanding contemporary identity.

With this launch, Ballyshannon joins a growing list of Irish towns that have been documented through similar atlases. Each atlas contributes to a collective understanding of Ireland’s historical landscapes, ensuring that the stories of these towns are preserved for future generations.