Our Story
The Exchange is a voluntary-run social enterprise, community and cultural centre in Buncrana, Co Donegal, Ireland and is now a registered Irish charity. The organisation was founded by a group of like minded individuals, social entrepreneurs and community groups in 2012. A lack of community and cultural space and a similar lack of support for the development of start up and small businesses led to the formation of the partnership.
In 2013, Exchange Inishowen leased the old social welfare offices at Castle Avenue, Buncrana and converted them into a community and cultural hub for the area that also acts as a support centre for social enterprises, established small businesses, and as an incubator centre for start-up companies. Thanks to a grant from the LEADER programme, administered by Inishowen Development Partnership, we equipped the building to meet the needs of 21st century businesses and community organisations.
Financial support was also provided by Buncrana Town Council, Donegal County Council, and the local community through fundraising events. In a short space of time, the Exchange became an integral part of community in Inishowen. It is a hive of activity, with many businesses and community groups using it for work, outreach, meetings, events, and various other activities.
The Exchange welcomed a visit by President Michael D. Higgins in 2014. In 2015, The Exchange won the All-Ireland Better Together award thanks to our short video sharing our vision and our work!
Member Groups (2020)
In 2013, Exchange Inishowen leased the old social welfare offices at Castle Avenue, Buncrana and converted them into a community and cultural hub for the area that also acts as a support centre for social enterprises, established small businesses, and as an incubator centre for start-up companies. Thanks to a grant from the LEADER programme, administered by Inishowen Development Partnership, we equipped the building to meet the needs of 21st century businesses and community organisations.
Financial support was also provided by Buncrana Town Council, Donegal County Council, and the local community through fundraising events. In a short space of time, the Exchange became an integral part of community in Inishowen. It is a hive of activity, with many businesses and community groups using it for work, outreach, meetings, events, and various other activities.
The Exchange welcomed a visit by President Michael D. Higgins in 2014. In 2015, The Exchange won the All-Ireland Better Together award thanks to our short video sharing our vision and our work!
Member Groups (2020)
- Insight Inishowen
- The Music Box
- Inishowen Heritage
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