Convoy can be explored through two main themes: its architectural heritage and the Deele River. Both are tied to specific places: the water runs through the landscaped grounds of Convoy House, while the remains of churches, gravestones and a lime kiln can be found in Convoy Townparks. The site of the Convoy Enterprise Centre adds the history of a woollen mill. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Convoy, these themes can help guide your plans: decide whether you’re most interested in architectural history, local history or fishing.
Convoy House and the Deele River
The present-day Convoy House was built around 1806/07. The Deele River flows through the house’s landscaped grounds. Architectural history and river scenery are therefore two distinct aspects of the same place. For those interested in culture, the historic building takes centre stage; for anglers, the river plays a different role. Local themes can thus be explored through both the history of a house and the use and character of the river.
Church remains and gravestones in Convoy Townparks
The remains of the former Catholic church are in Convoy Townparks. It was built around 1786 and extended in 1867. Upright and recumbent gravestones stand on the grounds of the former church, dating from the early 19th century to the present day. The building phases and the long series of gravestones offer different ways to explore local history: one theme is the development of the church building, the other the history of burial sites spanning many decades. Visitors who distinguish historic places by their date of construction and use will find more here than just a single date.
Lime kiln and woollen mill
Another feature of Convoy Townparks is the lime kiln. It was built around 1820, is no longer in operation and is considered an important part of the area’s architectural heritage. It therefore forms part of Convoy’s industrial heritage, rather than a currently operating business.
The original woollen mill on the site of the Convoy Enterprise Centre was built in 1883. The Centre preserves much of the mill’s original character and is close to the centre of Convoy, on the north bank of the Deele River. The dates make the difference between the two structures clear: the lime kiln dates from around 1820, while the woollen mill dates from the late 19th century. Their recorded condition also differs: the lime kiln is no longer in operation, while much of the mill’s original character has been preserved at the Enterprise Centre.
Fishing on the Deele River: stretch and season
The Deele River has traditionally been regarded as an excellent trout river from June onwards. A fishing description dated 20 April 2018 identifies the stretch from the townland of Gobnascale downstream to Convoy as a popular section. It lists Mepps spinners and natural baits as the most popular methods. The fishing season given there runs from 1 April to 20 October. As this information dates from 2018, check the current fishing regulations before travelling. The description also lists day and season permits available from Billy Vance in Milltown, Convoy; check in advance whether the contact and offer are still current.
Further highlights in County Donegal
County Donegal, the wider travel destination, offers other cultural and natural attractions. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and native oak forests shape the landscape of Glenveagh National Park and Castle; the castle retains its original interior furnishings. Visitors may see red deer there and look out for reintroduced golden eagles. Fanad Lighthouse lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay; a tour lasts 45 minutes. Check before travelling whether tours are available. These examples showcase different aspects of County Donegal from Convoy’s local milling, church and river heritage.
Discover more destinations: Leabgarrow, Clonmany, Portsalon, Dunkineely, Derrybeg, Ballygorman, Malin, Rossnowlagh
For the wider travel overview: County Donegal.
