Donegal Town RFC
One of the most scenic rugby grounds in Ireland.
Photo Credit: CONDOH Photo
Donegal Town Rugby Club is located in the picturesque county of Donegal, Ireland. Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the northwest, the club enjoys a truly scenic setting.
Surrounded by rolling hills and framed by the rugged landscapes that define Donegal, the rugby club benefits from its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The pristine beaches and majestic cliffs that characterize the region are just a short distance away, creating a captivating backdrop for the club's activities. As players and spectators gather to enjoy matches and events, they are treated to breathtaking vistas and a serene atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
Our History
Donegal Town RFC are proud of the fact that they are the longest established club in County Donegal having been founded in 1973 by a small group of rugby enthusiasts at a meeting in the National Hotel in Donegal Town.
The County of Donegal would not be known at that time as a hotbed of rugby but it is proud of the fact that Dave Gallaher captain of the "Original All Blacks" 1905–06 New Zealand national team which was the first representative New Zealand side to tour the British Isles was born in Ramelton near Letterkenny County Donegal. Under Gallaher's leadership the Originals won 34 out of 35 matches over the course of the tour which included legs in France and North America; the New Zealanders scored 976 points and conceded only 59. During the First World War, Gallaher enlisted in the New Zealand Division to fight in Europe. He was fatally wounded by shrapnel wounds to the head in 1917 at the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium.
Donegal Town RFC played for several years in different locations around Donegal Town before purchasing their own ground in 1983. Through mainly our own fundraising efforts and volunteer labour the club established the main pitch and built the clubhouse as well.
The ground at the ‘Holmes’ just outside Donegal is situated alongside the picturesque Donegal Bay shoreline and in fact it has been described as one of the most beautiful locations for a rugby ground in the world. You can step off the rugby pitch and walk only a few yards into the Atlantic Ocean and the next stop would be the USA.
Over the years the club has steadily improved its facilities once again mainly through our own fundraising and volunteer contributions and will continue to do so.
On the playing side the club has been very successful at adult level winning many league and cup competitions over the years within the Ulster Province. The club currently has one senior men's team but happily it looks as if we will be back to running two teams next season.
We have a long established Mini & Junior section which is continuing to grow and one of our ambitions over the next couple of seasons is to re-establish a women's team again.