An Creagán is a unique living and working attraction that is the result of a community-driven regeneration.
What began as a grassroots effort in the 1970s has blossomed into a vibrant hub for culture, tourism, and environmental conservation.
It has, you could say, single-handedly beckoned outsiders into the area.
“In 1986, we initiated a rural development course to involve people in the regeneration of Creggan.
“It was a 10-week course, attracting 40 participants, focusing on culture, heritage, farming, and tourism.
“The completion of this course led to the creation of a comprehensive report, which acted as a blueprint for our way forward,” John Donaghy, centre manager, begins.
Primarily a farming community, the Creggan area had experienced a decline with people moving away.
The initiative aimed to reverse this trend and instil a sense of pride in the community.
“We had different groups focusing on economic development, particularly tourism, to benefit the area.
“It took a few years to convince government agencies of our viability, but our dedication paid off,” adds John.
A key aspect of their strategy was sustainable tourism.
The ‘cash cow’ is the accommodation and course offering, says John. The beauty is, the rest is free.
“We also offer short walks, children’s activities, and environmental ponds.
“It’s a social enterprise, run as a business, but deeply connected to the community,” he explains.
Over the past three decades, An Creagán has significantly impacted the local community.
“We have 50 families visiting daily for various activities. Education is crucial, with programmes highlighting the importance of our environment, culture, and heritage,” John says.
Catriona, assistant centre manager, adds: “We employ 15 full and part-time staff, with additional volunteers and partner organisations contributing to our efforts.
“Our small farm, restored from existing buildings, is a key project.
“We’re preparing plans for a productive social farm, focusing on traditional farming skills and health and wellbeing activities.”
Securing funding has been a challenging yet rewarding journey for the team here.
John says the model, which is one of a kind, has struggled to convince investors; however, the likes of the National Lottery, Heritage Lottery, and DAERA have seen the impact and potential.
The site has evolved to meet changing community needs and environmental challenges.
“We’ve introduced the wildwood area, community play garden, and a bronze age settlement site.
“Our bog and forest trail walks are also more recent additions,” Catriona says.
A significant addition has been the peatland restoration project in partnership with Ulster Wildlife.
John explains, “Ten years ago, we started restoring a 75-acre bogland, now protected and used as a research site.
“This long-term project is crucial for tackling the climate crisis.”
The project’s significance is evident from the volunteers it attracts.
“We have families, like one from Jersey, volunteering for three weeks.
“Companies also send staff for environmental work. It’s about making a positive impact on the community,” John adds.
The community gardens and volunteer programmes are vital for fostering engagement.
It’s eco-tourism well ahead of its time, while that evolving list of courses “provides social interaction, often the only one of the week for some participants,” Catriona says.
“When we opened in 1994, when tourism in the area was minimal. Now, there’s a variety of accommodations and activities.
“However, local support for tourism has been lacking, which needs addressing,” John reveals.
“I think because the project is so complex, it challenges funders and organisations.
“I think that needs to be addressed along the line.
“Somewhere like this has done so much — we’ve had about 300 different people employed here over the years, and that’s significant in a small community.
“The other very important thing is, An Creagán gives people in a rural area confidence, meeting and working with people.
“It’s great career development and that’s very important for the younger generation.
“Some are coming to ask to help us as volunteers for the 30th anniversary.”
As An Creagán marks its milestone anniversary this week, there is a busy schedule lined up.
“Starting on July 28, International Bog Day, we have a week of events.
“These include nature walks, family picnics, a presentation from our architect, health and wellbeing taster days, barbecues, and traditional music and dancing,” Catriona says.
John hopes, “this anniversary is a catalyst for tourism development in the Sperrins area.”
He adds, “There’s still much work to be done, but we’re committed to sustainable tourism that preserves our environment.”
