Historic Towns

The Quay, Ramelton

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has identified a small number of Historic Towns in County Donegal designated for general protection. Historic Towns in County Donegal include Ballyshannon, Donegal Town, Killybegs, Lifford, Ramelton, Rathmullan and St. Johnston. These towns were first identified in the Urban Archaeological Survey of County Donegal and have been included in the Record of Monuments & Places. Guideline boundaries for these towns are illustrated in the Record of Monuments & Places. The areas within the historic boundaries identified are known as Zones of Archaeological Potential and are areas where intense archaeology is present.  Consent for works in these Historic Towns or Zones of Archaeological Potential must be obtained from the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Archaeological Heritage of Historic Towns in County Donegal can be consulted at National Monuments Service (archaeology.ie).