The Donegal
Tweed Experience
Step into the world of Donegal Tweed with a unique experience that beautifully weaves together rich heritage, skilled craftsmanship, timeless tradition, and a modern sense of global fashion and style.

About The Tour
The Donegal Tweed Experience takes you on a journey from sheep to shawl, with live demonstrations of carding, spinning, and weaving that reveal the skill behind this world-renowned fabric. You’ll visit the untouched home of Manus Ferry, a master weaver, whose cottage remains largely as he left it—a rare, authentic glimpse into a way of life that has almost vanished.


The Building
Despite its simplicity, this modest home has drawn the attention of the fashion elite; one striking photograph shows the fashion editor of Harper’ s Bazaar admiring Manus’ tweed while chatting with his sister Sophy in the loft. As you explore this beautifully preserved vernacular building, you’ll discover how rural Donegal quietly shaped international fashion. Our passionate guides bring the story to life, offering a truly rich and unforgettable cultural experience.
What Happy Visitors Say!

We had a fantastic day at Dunlewey Centre during Heritage Week. This place is most definitely an underrated gem. The friendly farm animals, relaxing boat trip, and brilliant playground were the highlights of our visit. The play park is probably one of the biggest and best-maintained we’ve ever been to—perfect for families with kids.Anita, on Google Reviews

We usually take a wee visit to Dunlewey every year, and it never disappoints. Our boys absolutely love it. There were a few new attractions this year, which was a lovely surprise, and the boat trip on the lake is always a highlight. We’ll definitely be back next year. The food, the music, and the warm atmosphere make this great value for money.Sabrina, on TripAdvisor

Dunlewey Centre is a must-see experience. We loved every minute of our visit. In the Café, we enjoyed coffee, tea, and delicious sandwiches. The staff provide excellent service. We also took a scenic tour on the lake with Peter and Paul—it was fascinating. Plenty of beautiful crafts and prints to admire and purchase. Stunning views!Pearl, on Google Reviews

This is a good day out. You can go horse riding/trekking at the entrance to the centre. You can go for long or short walks around the centre, hill or road, your choice, very scenic. You can purchase souvenirs, food, a little bit of history, with a wee story thrown in to give you an idea of life in the old days.Aisling, on TripAdvisor

Despite living not too far away from Dunlewey it was our first visit and I was amazed at how fabulous this little hidden gem is! Lots of exciting things for kids to do, ours are aged between 2 and 8, the bumper cars and pedalos were a huge hit as was the great playground and zip wire.Joy, on Google Reviews

Great day out! We took the cottage tour and it was brilliant, so informative and fun (Martina was our guide). We also took the boat trip on Dunlewey Lake and it was class, great views of the surrounding scenery and again lots of history and local stories. A must visit if you are in County Donegal.Ciara, on TripAdvisor

Fantastic place for children and families. We took the cottage and boat tour, which also included free entry into the play park. The cottage was a walk through time and really interesting. The lady taking it showed us how to yarn wool and it was great. The boat ride was refreshing and gave a detailed account of the surrounding land.Margaret, on Google Reviews

A great day out for the whole family. We did the boat trip on the lake, the tour of the old house and enjoyed the craft fair that was on. The kids loved the bumper cars, the peddle boats and the indoor play area. The outdoor play area looks like it was just upgraded and the kids had great fun there.Ed, on TripAdvisor

A very well stocked gift shop as you enter the centre. A wide variety of cards, art work, jewelery knitwear, soaps, candles among a huge variety of giftware. A very friendly, smiling and helpful staff member made us feel so welcome and also recommended the local amenities and accommodation.Evelyn, on Google Reviews

Brilliant family day out. We have 3 kids under 4 year old. Decent food cafe, bumper cars, paddle boats, playground were brilliant. Very friendly staff, give our children on a go anything they wanted and if they didn’t like something they kindly helped them out and suggested something better for them.Aidan, on TripAdvisor

