Ballyshannon Welcomes Irish Historic Towns Atlas No. 32 Launch

The Royal Irish Academy has released the latest installment of the Irish Historic Towns Atlas, focusing on Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. The launch event took place recently at the Abbey Arts Centre, marking a significant addition to the series that aims to document the historical evolution of Irish towns.

Irish Historic Towns Atlas No. 32, authored by Dr. Angela Byrne, explores Ballyshannon’s history from its early days as a fording point and an O’Donnell stronghold to its prominence in the nineteenth century as a bustling port and market town. This volume, supported by Donegal County Council and The Heritage Council, offers readers insights into the town’s development and its connections to international trade.

The atlas includes large-format reproductions of historical maps, images, and thematic maps that span from the late sixteenth century to the nineteenth century. Joseph Gallagher, Heritage Officer at Donegal County Council, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Donegal County Council is delighted to support the publication of the Irish Historic Towns Atlas for Ballyshannon as part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan.”

During the launch, Dr. Byrne delivered an illustrated talk titled “Hidden Histories: Vanished Traces of Ballyshannon’s Past.” She emphasized the atlas’s significance, asserting, “Ballyshannon is an important addition to the Irish Historic Towns Atlas project. As a Donegal native, it’s an honour to have authored the atlas, and I hope it will prompt more research into the growth and development of the county’s historic towns.”

The event also featured Dr. Easkey Britton, a marine social scientist and writer, who underscored the importance of understanding local heritage. “The history of a place is more than just its past; it’s a living, breathing part of its identity, shaping how we see our future,” she remarked. Britton highlighted Ballyshannon’s rich heritage, which reflects the deep connections between place, people, and environment.

Local government representatives also celebrated the publication. Cllr. Micheál Naughton, Cathaoirleach of the Donegal Municipal District, praised the atlas as a milestone for the region. He noted, “The historical development of Ballyshannon can still be seen in the landownership patterns, streetscapes, and historic buildings in the town.” He commended the Royal Irish Academy and all contributors for their efforts in preserving and highlighting Ballyshannon’s legacy.

To coincide with the launch, the Abbey Arts Centre is hosting an exhibition titled “Ballyshannon Mall Through Time,” which is open to the public from 7 October to 21 October. This exhibition, created by Dr. Byrne as part of her research, is supported by the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group and aims to further engage the community with the town’s history.

Irish Historic Towns Atlas No. 32, Ballyshannon//Beál Átha Seanaidh, is published by the RIA Publishing House. It is available for purchase at A Novel Idea in Ballyshannon and online at www.ria.ie. This publication not only enriches the historical narrative of Ballyshannon but also contributes to a broader understanding of heritage across European towns and cities.