Major boost for East Donegal as Oakfield Park secures Shared Island funding

TOURISM in East Donegal has received a significant boost with the announcement of major Shared Island funding - with Oakfield Park in Raphoe emerging as one of the headline beneficiaries.

The award-winning estate has secured €294,611 under the €2.7 million Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme, funding that will support the restoration of its much-loved vintage railway carriages and introduce cutting-edge VR and interactive exhibits.

This will create a year-round, weather-proof attraction.

The investment forms part of the wider Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project, delivered by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, strengthening tourism links between the Wild Atlantic Way and Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route.

Privately owned and nationally recognised for the restoration of its gardens and historic buildings, Oakfield Park has become a must-visit destination in Donegal.

Set amid sweeping parklands, tranquil lakes and mature woodlands - with stunning views towards Croaghan Mountain - the estate offers a charming narrow-gauge railway, a beautifully maintained hedge maze; striking sculptures and miles of scenic walking paths.

The new funding will modernise elements of the visitor experience while preserving the park’s heritage charm, a move expected to further cement its reputation as one of the North-West’s premier attractions.

Welcoming the announcement, Donegal TD., Pat the Cope Gallagher, described the funding as “very welcome and timely” for Donegal and the wider region.

“Tourism is one of our greatest natural strengths, and today’s funding will help us tell our stories in new and compelling ways while supporting jobs and local communities,” he said.

“The Shared Island initiative is delivering real, practical benefits on the ground.

"By linking the Wild Atlantic Way with the Causeway Coastal Route, we are creating a world-class visitor experience that will attract more people to our region, encourage longer stays, and boost the local economy.”

Oakfield Park leads four Donegal projects approved under the scheme: Wild Ireland, Burnfoot - €269,000 for a new indoor education centre; Inishowen Maritime Museum, Greencastle - €232,911 for a new planetarium show and digital interpretation and Dunfanaghy Workhouse, Dunfanaghy - €239,040 for upgraded exhibitions and multilingual audio tours.

In total, eight projects in Ireland and five in Northern Ireland have been approved, focusing on immersive digital upgrades, enhanced storytelling, improved accessibility and new visitor facilities.

Deputy Gallagher said the announcement demonstrates what can be achieved through cooperation across the island.

“This is another strong example of partnership delivering tangible results," he said.

"I look forward to seeing these projects progress and to the positive impact they will have on tourism in Donegal and the wider region.”

For East Donegal in particular, the investment in Oakfield Park signals growing confidence in the area’s tourism potential - blending heritage, innovation and natural beauty to attract visitors from across Ireland and beyond.