Invaded Ireland: Donegal Castle

Sir Hugh O’Donnell of the O’Donnell clan built Donegal Castle in the late 15th century. He was the chieftain of the clan who were later involved in the Flight of the Earls in 1607. Their family was one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ireland from the time of the 5^th to 16^th centuries. In 1611 the castle was given to Basil Brooke who was an English captain. He added extensive additions in the 17^th century including the Jacobean wing. Sadly in the 18^th century it fell into decay, almost being completely destroyed except for the major walls and infrastructure. In 1898 it was donated to the Office of Public Works, and finally 100 years later it was renovated to replicate how it would have appeared back in its day.

The castle is situated on the River Eske not a few minutes walk from Donegal town in County Donegal. While Donegal is in the northern part of Ireland, it is still in the Republic. The castle itself is not very large. Large windows highlighted high walls and spacious rooms. The stonework was ornate, and it has one of the largest and most intricately decorated fireplaces in all of Ireland. Like Cahir Castle in County Tipperary, Donegal Castle had a trick staircase where each stair had a different length and width to make it harder for invaders to run up quickly and attack. It also forced invaders to hold their swords in their left hands instead of their right, which gave those running down the stairs an upper hand.

We all really enjoyed the décor inside of the castle and how it was furnished like it would have been back in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Whitney loved the tapestries because of how intricate and beautiful they are since you don’t often see that made nowadays. The fireplace was big enough to climb into, so we took some pictures inside of it (as you can see below). Max found it interesting to compare that with Cahir Castle since very prominent Irish families lived in both. Overall we would have loved more time at the castle to explore the grounds, but we enjoyed it and were glad to be staying in our hotel so close by.  

Friends inside the giant fireplace!

Deanna and Kayleigh 

Donegal Castle