Revival at the Courthouse, Letterkenny

Commissioned by Donegal County Council as part of the Letterkenny 2040 Regeneration Strategy, EPIC Heritage Consulting undertook the ambitious transformation of the historic Letterkenny Courthouse into a landmark cultural attraction. Spanning from October 2023 to December 2024, this €120,000 project aimed to reimagine the courthouse as a contemporary visitor experience—one that champions the identity of modern Donegal while promoting sustainable tourism and economic revitalisation.

EPIC's role encompassed the creation of an Interpretive Masterplan, a Visitor Experience Plan, and a comprehensive Business Plan. The project was deeply rooted in public and stakeholder engagement. Through this collaborative process, three potential concepts—Discover Donegal, The Sound of Donegal, and Kuriosity@Letterkenny—were developed and tested with national and international audiences. The final concept, titled Wave Lines, emerged as a fusion of these ideas, capturing Donegal’s spirit through a sensorial, narrative-driven experience.

The interpretive design took a thematic journey through six zones, beginning with a welcome and flowing through Echoes of Heritage, Rhythms of the People, and Horizons and Tides, before culminating in a 360° dome finale: This Is Us: This Is Our Donegal. Emotional resonance was carefully balanced with education, encouraging reflection and connection. Storytelling was central, with authentic local voices, regional music, and natural wonders such as the Northern Lights and Glenveagh sunrise forming immersive backdrops.

Technologically and experientially rich, the exhibition featured multilingual audio guides, touchscreens, dome projections, and interactive trails including “Finn the Red Fox” for children. Other highlights included rally car simulations, Irish language content, and Wild Atlantic Way explorer maps—ensuring appeal across demographics and interests.

The building’s revitalisation included a redesigned Port Road entrance leading to a fluid, visitor-oriented layout. The inclusion of a mezzanine café, community rental spaces, retail shop, and temporary exhibition areas supported both cultural and commercial sustainability. A digital Donegal Memory Wall allowed visitors to share real-time reflections, reinforcing local pride and global engagement.

Under the creative direction of Dara Lynne Lenehan, EPIC’s multidisciplinary team delivered a flagship project that blends placemaking, storytelling, and design innovation. Positioned as a cultural anchor on the Wild Atlantic Way, the reinvented Courthouse now stands as a symbol of Donegal’s resilience, creativity, and future-facing identity.