Lifford, or Leifear in Irish, is the county town of Donegal, located in the north of the Republic of Irlande, approximately 21 minutes from Letterkenny. This small town is nestled on the western side of the River Finn, a natural boundary separating it from Strabane in Northern Ireland. While the locality holds administrative importance, it draws little attention from tourism. Visitors who do come tend to focus on its courthouse.

History

The town developed around a castle built in 1527 by Manus O'Donnell, the sovereign of Tyrconnell, a kingdom that once stretched across much of present-day County Donegal. In 1607, it was granted to Sir Richard Hansard, an English-born soldier who had fought for the Crown during the Nine Years' War. In return for this grant, Richard was charged with establishing a ferry to cross the River Finn, among other duties. The town remained connected to Strabane by this type of boat until 1730, when it welcomed its first bridge. Lifford served as a garrison town for British forces until the founding of the Irish Free State in 1922. According to the 2016 census, its population was 1,626 inhabitants.

What to See in Lifford?

Lifford Courthouse

The courthouse stands opposite the County House, seat of Donegal County Council. Built in 1746 by Michael Priestly, it has since become a heritage centre housing a museum displaying documents and artefacts from the O'Donnell clan. Trial records and registers from various county institutions are also preserved here.

Lifford Courthouse has retained its original cells, which once held the most wanted criminals of North-West Ireland. It offers a somewhat unconventional experience, inviting you to live as a prisoner. You'll be arrested by a hot-tempered jailer who'll escort you to a dungeon where you'll serve your sentence. Another activity offered is Jailbreak, where you assume the role of a detainee attempting to escape your cell and avoid execution.

The courthouse also houses a restaurant, the Courthouse Bistro, situated in its courtroom.

Other attractions worth exploring in Lifford:

Cavanacor House

Cavanacor House is an ancestral home of James Knox Polk, the 11th President of the United States of America. His great-great-great-grandmother, Magdelene Tasker, was born in this building. She emigrated to America in 1634. This house also had the honour of welcoming King James II of England in 1689 during the Siege of Derry.

Prior Endowed School

Built in 1880, this school was established to educate Protestant children of the region. Closed in 1972, it later served as a military barracks for the Irish Defence Forces from 1974 to 2009.

St. Lugadius Church

This religious building was constructed in 1621 in fulfilment of Sir Richard Hansard's final wishes. A monument to his memory and that of his wife can be found here.

Saint Patrick's Church

The origins of this church date back to the 18th century, though its current building dates from 1963. It features a three-storey Gothic tower built in 1820.

Hansard's Grammar School

This school was also built at the request of Sir Richard Hansard in his will. It opened its doors in 1697 and was purchased by the Earl of Erne in the 19th century.

Practical Information

When to Visit?

The climate in Lifford and the surrounding region is most favourable for tourism from May to September. However, note that July and August correspond to peak tourist season.

By Bus

Bus Éireann operates services to Lifford from Letterkenny and Ballybofey, which you can also reach by bus from Sligo.

By Car

Two national roads lead to Lifford. If travelling from Sligo, take the N15. This route passes through Stranorlar, Ballyshannon and Donegal Town before reaching the town. If you're coming from Letterkenny, take the N14.