Donegal Castle

Donegal Castle is a fortress with a rectangular stone keep and a Jacobean manor house that stand on a bend of the River Eske in the town center. The complex combines medieval defensive structures with residential spaces added later and features carefully crafted stonework throughout.

Hugh O'Donnell built this fortress in 1474 as the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan, which held significance until the Flight of the Earls in 1607. The building was later taken over by English settlers and expanded with Jacobean elements, transforming its military function into a residence.

The fortress displays a blend of medieval Irish and later Jacobean architectural styles that visitors can see throughout their visit. The ornamental carvings and distinctive windows reflect the different periods that shaped the building over centuries.

The site is accessible from March through October with guided tours available and is managed by the Office of Public Works. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing as the interior rooms and towers can be quite windy and cool.

The fireplace surround inside features intricately carved stone depictions of fruits and the Brooke family coat of arms from the Jacobean renovation period. These details often go unnoticed by visitors but reveal how thoroughly the building was renewed in the 17th century.