Donegal Castle

On the North West Trail

Built by the O’Donnell chieftains in the 15th century on the River Eske , Donegal Castle or O’Donnell’s Castle is situated in the centre of Donegal Town. Rebuilt in Jacobean style in 16th century by Sir Basil Brooke after Hugh O Donell burnt it to the ground rather than let the castle fall to enemy hands. The castle was almost fully restored in the late 1990s and consists of a 15th century, rectangular keep with a later built, Jacobean style wing.

The complex is sited on a bend in the Eske River, near the mouth of Donegal Bay and is surrounded by a 17th boundary wall. There is a small gatehouse at its entrance mirroring the design of the keep.

Most of the stone work was constructed from locally sourced limestone with some sandstone. The castle was the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan, Lords of Tír Conaill and one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ireland from the 5th to 16th centuries.

The castle opens each season from mid March to the end of October.

Photography Credit: Rick Cook

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