About us
Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company (Charity No. NIC105987) is based in the historic town of Donaghadee, County Down, at the gateway to the Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland. We work in close partnership with the Donaghadee Historical Society and the Donaghadee Local History Forum to safeguard, explore, and share the area’s unique heritage and culture.
As a community-driven charity, we are committed to celebrating the diverse stories of Donaghadee and its surroundings—from its remarkable maritime past and architectural treasures to its vibrant traditions and people.
Our mission
Our mission is to protect, celebrate, and promote the rich historical and cultural legacy of Donaghadee and the wider Ards Peninsula. We are dedicated to preserving the town’s unique architectural landmarks, maritime history, and community traditions for future generations. Through education, restoration, and community engagement, we strive to foster pride in our shared heritage and ensure that the story of Donaghadee continues to inspire both residents and visitors alike.
The story
Founded in the early 1980s, Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company began with a passionate vision to safeguard our local heritage. Our early efforts led to the acquisition and return of the ex-RNLI lifeboat Sir Samuel Kelly to Donaghadee—a vessel renowned for its heroic role in the 1953 Princess Victoria Disaster and the 1979 Fastnet Race. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters—through fundraising, donations, and grants—we secured a shelter for the lifeboat and began its ongoing conservation.
Today, our work has grown far beyond the Sir Samuel Kelly Project. In 2024, we expanded our site to include an exhibition room where a collection of artefacts and information boards tell the wider story of Donaghadee’s heritage. We continue to champion the preservation of historic buildings, celebrate local traditions, and engage the community through educational initiatives, ensuring that the legacy of Donaghadee and the Ards Peninsula remains vibrant and accessible for all.
Why support us
Donaghadee is one of Northern Ireland’s most historic and iconic coastal towns, rich with stories, architecture, and cultural heritage. As a community-driven charity, we are committed to celebrating the diverse stories of Donaghadee and its surroundings—from its remarkable maritime past and architectural treasures to its vibrant traditions and people.
We work to protect, restore, and celebrate the town's unique legacy — but we can’t do it without your help.
Our sponsors
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Ship movements
Donaghadee sits both at the southern entrance to Belfast Lough and is almost directly opposite Portpatrick in Scotland. Historically, there have been close ties between the two communities and given their positions the towns are still utilised as strategic Offshore Lifeboat stations.
Being a busy shipping lane exiting into the Atlantic, both stations have worked closely to ensure immediate response to those in grave and imminent danger.
Below is a live AIS (Automatic Identification System) chart showing vessels transiting through the area. (If you click on the vessel with your mouse you will be able to see more detail.) This goes to show how busy the Irish Sea and North Channel continues to be.