For more than 30 years, LATCH has operated Lifford Old Courthouse as a place for the whole community to use and enjoy. The group was founded to preserve this historic building and to create local employment. These aims remain at the heart of our work today, alongside our commitment to promoting arts, heritage, culture and community life throughout Lifford and the surrounding area.
Community
Giving back to the Community
Meals on Wheels
In 2020, we joined the Lifford Community Response Group, which was set up to support people during the Covid-19 crisis. Through this partnership, a Meals on Wheels service was created, with Lifford Old Courthouse preparing the meals and managing the administration.
As of April 2025, we have delivered over 34,000 hot, nutritious meals to people in our community during a time of real need and in the days since.
Building Regeneration
Since sections of Lifford Old Courthouse first reopened in 1994, we have worked continuously to bring every part of the building back into use. This goal was achieved in 2019 with the completion of a major renovation project that transformed the Courthouse into a modern, accessible facility.
Repairs were also carried out on historic features to ensure they are protected for future generations. With this regeneration work complete, we can now offer the local community a fully restored building suitable for a wide range of uses.
Community Groups
Since its earliest days, LATCH has made Lifford Old Courthouse available as a shared space for the community. Our building is used regularly by local groups for many activities, from dressmaking classes to weekly yoga sessions. As a non-denominational venue with modern facilities, it provides an excellent base for groups to meet and grow.
We also work with a variety of local organisations to help provide services and opportunities that benefit people across the wider community.
Re-investing in the Community
LATCH operates Lifford Old Courthouse as a not-for-profit group, with all income reinvested into improving our facilities and creating employment. We now employ more than 20 people and continue to develop and invest in projects that support the people of Lifford and the surrounding area.
Arts, Culture & Heritage
In recent years, we have taken significant steps to grow Lifford Old Courthouse as a cultural venue that celebrates the arts, heritage and culture of Donegal. We have hosted many live performances, featuring both internationally recognised acts and talented local musicians and performers.
We also hold regular exhibitions of artwork and photography by local creatives, as well as book launches by local authors.
Stay up to date
If you’d like to hear from us at Lifford Old Courthouse about upcoming events then sign up for our mailing list!
This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal through the Community Services Programme.
This project has been part-funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under Project Ireland 2040.
Tá an tionscadal seo páirt-mhaoinithe ag an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán faoi Thionscadal Éireann 2040.
An Clár Feabhsúcháin 2025
Local Enhancement Programme 2025
Is í an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta a mhaoinigh an tionscadal seo faoin an Clár Feabhsúcháin 2025
This project has been funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Local Enhancement Programme 2025
We’re delighted to announce that Lifford Old Courthouse is one of the first social enterprises in Ireland to secure People & Planet First Verification.
What does this mean?
People & Planet First is a robust verification mark for social enterprises which is recognised globally and adopted in 130+ counties.
The verification focuses on five core standards:
Purpose: We exist to solve a social and/or environmental problem.
Operations: We prioritise purpose, people and planet over profit in operational decisions.
Revenue: We have a self-sustaining revenue model.
Use of surplus: We reinvest the majority of any surplus towards our purpose.
Structure: We choose legal structures and financing that protect and lock-in purpose long-term.a