Slowing the Flow - Protecting Inishowen's Heritage at Risk

“Water is not a commercial product like any other, but a shared heritage that must be protected, defended, and cared for.”

The Inishowen Rivers Trust invites you to a Heritage Week event exploring how natural flood management can reduce the risks posed by climate change. Using demonstration models, we will explain how nature‑based solutions work before bringing you into the field to see them in action along the Ballyhallan River.

Climate models show that Donegal will experience heavier rainfall in shorter bursts. This increases the risk of flash flooding for our communities, our built heritage, and our livelihoods. Our event will show — through models and on‑site examples — how slowing the flow of water through hilly farmland can help reduce these impacts.

In 2021, the Inishowen Rivers Trust installed 69 structures, including leaky dams and check dams, throughout the Ballyhallan catchment. These features help slow water during peak rainfall events and were developed in response to the devastating August 2017 flood, which damaged productive land, wrecked businesses, destroyed infrastructure, and cut off transport routes. During the event, we will visit several of these structures and discuss the community‑led response to flood risk.

Join us on Tuesday 18th August at 6pm at the Market House, Clonmany. We will begin with model demonstrations of Natural Flood Management solutions. After light refreshments, those willing and able can travel by bus to the upper reaches of the Ballyhallan River to see these nature‑based engineering solutions first‑hand.

Please wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain and bring layers and waterproofs in the event of rain.