Sinn Féin councillor urges heritage project on Wolfe Tone’s Buncrana landing

Sinn Féin County Councillor Jack Murray has asked Donegal County Council to develop a heritage programme commemorating Theobald Wolfe Tone’s arrival in Buncrana in 1798.

At a plenary meeting of the council, Murray highlighted the “huge” potential for re‑enactments, historical talks and new visitor attractions that could link Buncrana with other sites associated with the 1798 Rebellion, including Derry, Belfast, Kildare and Dublin.

He noted that Wolfe Tone was taken ashore at Buncrana after the French ship Hoche was intercepted off the Donegal coast, where he was recognised by former Trinity College classmate Sir George Hill before being escorted to Derry and later Dublin.

Murray suggested a tall‑ship display with actors portraying the arrest and identification, as well as an interactive feature at Swan Park allowing visitors to view a recreation of the 1798 ships and events across Lough Swilly.

The councillor praised the environmental committee’s 1998 commemorative stone near the Stone Jug and called for a broader initiative, citing the Shared Island Fund as a possible source of support.

Acting Director of Planning, Communities and Culture Eamonn Brown said council staff would examine the historical links and explore cooperation with Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and potential funding.

Gary Doherty, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, echoed the call to celebrate Irish history, referencing recent commemorations for Red Hugh O’Donnell in Valladolid.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Alina Skazka / Pexels.