An tSean Bharic

Visitor information

Explorer Tom

An tSean Bheairic in Falcarragh has the glorious nerve to turn an old barracks into a place for art, conversation, coffee and the Irish language. I arrived prepared to inspect the building's stern history. It answered with exhibitions and a craft shop, which is a much better use of a doorway than my imaginary parade-ground speech. The centre stands on the main street of An Fál Carrach, in a former police barracks. Fáilte Ireland says the building was constructed in 1890 and later served as a Garda station. Today the centre tells its own building story and the wider heritage of Cloughaneely through a permanent exhibition. That change of use is worth noticing before you look at anything on a shelf. A place once defined by official authority now welcomes people to learn, meet and make things in the heart of a Gaeltacht town. Its current site describes art shows, workshops, music, dance and storytelling, alongside a cafe and a shop selling local art, craft and Irish-language books. The programme changes, so there is no point promising a concert on a random afternoon. I briefly offered to perform my ballad about a runaway teapot; the centre sensibly has actual musicians to call on. Browse the exhibition, ask what is happening during your visit and leave time to look at the work of local makers. Their pieces tell another part of Falcarragh's story. Irish is a living part of the community here. The centre supports classes and events through the language; listen with respect and use the names An Fál Carrach and An tSean Bheairic as more than decorative words. You do not need to speak Irish fluently to enjoy the place or its welcome. The old barracks also provides a practical base for finding out about nearby sites. Its visitor pages describe a historical map of Cloughaneely, useful if you want to continue exploring after the exhibition. The centre welcomes visitors at its Main Street address, but its present site does not give a dependable daily timetable on the page I checked. Phone or consult its current notices before a special journey, especially for events or classes. Fáilte Ireland suggests about an hour for a visit and lists public parking nearby. Treat the cafe, shop and exhibition as distinct parts that may have different activity on a given day. If the programme includes a local artist or musician, ask about their work rather than rushing straight to the next stop. A cultural centre is best understood through the people using it now, as well as the old walls. Leave with a real plan for another local place, not simply a souvenir. An old barracks has become a good place to begin an adventure.

What is recorded here

An tSean Bharic is recorded as a visitor information in County Donegal.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) n1857044347

What do you know about this place?Tap to add a comment or ask a question

Places near here

Photo credits

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
P L Chadwick, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
Kenneth Allen, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
Donegal Daily; individual photographer not named on the article, www.donegaldaily.com
Vadim Manuylov, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Golfing in Ireland; photographer not stated, Source publisher
Ronnie Nijboer, Wikimedia Commons · CC0
VisionsofthePast, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Rossographer, Wikimedia Commons
Wanfried-Dublin, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

An tSean Bheairic [The Old Barrack]Ric barracks · 1 yd

Explorer Tom An tSean Bheairic in Ballyconnell is showing off its red brick dressings and natural slate roof, which really sets it…

Corner BarPub · 204 yd

Explorer Tom Corner Bar sits where the railway used to be, mourning lost trains while serving pints. The bishop refused to visit…

RosevilleHouse · 233 yd

Explorer Tom Roseville was built for Dr. John McDonald in 1904, with a roof edged by rolled terracotta tiles and a pair of…

The Shamrock LodgePub · 281 yd

Explorer Tom The Shamrock Lodge on Main Street is green enough to make your eyes water from sheer irony and poor lighting choices. A…

Áras BegleySchool · 390 yd

Explorer Tom Áras Begley in Carrowcanon used to be a school, but now it’s just a church hall with strong opinions about fiddlers. A…

Páirc Naomh Fionnán, Cloughaneely GAAGAA ground · 508 yd

Monterey Cypress986 yd

Explorer Tom Monterey Cypress in County Donegal is always getting picked on by the wind because it stands out like a sore thumb on…

Cloughaneely Golf ClubGolf course · 1046 yd

Wych Elm1139 yd

Explorer Tom Wych Elm is writing a strongly worded letter to the council complaining about the noise from the new traffic lights…

Stone CrossCross, High cross · 1.4 mi

Explorer Tom Stone Cross at Ráith is a 5.56m giant that’s just been propped up on modern concrete. It used to lie broken in the…

Trá Dhroim na TineBeach / strand · 1.5 mi

Explorer Tom Trá Dhroim na Tine gives Falcarragh a broad sandy stage, with Ballyness Bay in front and Donegal hills waiting behind…

Dermot and Granias BedPortal tomb · 2.1 mi

Explorer Tom Dermot and Granias Bed is a pretty ruinous portal tomb, mostly just two stones standing up in the grass. It’s named…

More viewpoints and information in County Donegal · All of County Donegal

Add to this placeAdd a picture Add a detailed tip Add a story

Explore the map1,095,414 places to discover

Next place · or swipeAn tSean Bheairic [The Old Barrack]