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Donegals
many kings and invaders from across the sea have left their
mark on this beautiful land. Castles and towers of old litter
the green hills of Co. Donegal. Below are listed some of
the most fantastic of heritage sites the county has to offer!
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Glenveagh
Castle:
| Glenveagh
Castle was built by Henry McIlhenny (from Philadelphia)
between 1870 and 1873. This Scottish-style castle is surrounded
by 16,500 acres of mountains, lakes, woodland gardens and
pleasure grounds, which feature an Italian terrace. The
gardens include an important collection of rare trees and
shrubs. A tour of the castle is available on request only. |
Glenveagh
Castle pictured above. Glenveagh castle is located within the
ground of Glenveagh National Park. For travel arrangements visit
the Travel section.
Doe
Castle:
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The
castle is first mentioned in 1544 in connection with internecine
wars between the sons of MacSweeney Doe. Wrecked sailors
from the Spanish Armada were granted refuge here in 1588.
By 1600 it had been taken over by Eoghan Og MacSweeny,
an ally of the English, who was unsuccessfully besieged
there by his brother Rory in 1601. Red Hugh O'Donnell
attacked the castle unsuccessfully in 1601, but shortly
afterwards the castle was granted by the Crown to Rory
O'Donnell. Taken again by the MacSweeneys in 1606, it
was captured again by Rory O'Donnell in the following
year. In the same year it was granted to Sir Basil Brooke,
but was taken in 1608 by Sir Cahir O'Doherty's allies
and shortly afterwards retaken by Crown forces. It was
then granted to a number of English men before it fell
into Irish hands again in 1641.
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Above
be can see Doe castle. During the late 1800's the last owners
left this great heritage site. It has been vacant ever since.
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Donegal
Castle:
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Over
looking the river Eske are the ruins of Donegal Castle.
This 15th century castle was once the seat of power for
the O'Donnells. In 1611, following the flight of the Earls,
the castle was awarded to Sir Basil Brooke who is said to
be the architect responsible for the layout of the town
centre. Although recently restored, the castle still retains
most of the beauty of the time. This is a must see when
visiting Donegal Town.
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Donegal
castle pictured above.
Tower
of Buncranna:
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to be an early Norman keep. In 1602 Hugh Boy O'Dogherty began
extensive renovations to prepare the keep for use as a bridgehead
for the Spaniards who were supposed to land on the Inishowen
Peninsula. It was later burned by the English. |
Tully
Castle:
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on Lower Lough Erne, Tully Castle is a sight to behold. The
castle was constructed by Sir John Hume around 1610. Sir John
was to die and leave the castle to his eldest son. In a failed
uprising this like many of Irelands other castles was raised
to the ground. For some 350 years the ruins lay silent, it
has recently been partially restored. |
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