O'Doherty's Keep, Buncrana
Sitting on the banks of the River Crana near Lough Swilly adjacent Swan Park and the Castle Bridge stands the remains of a former 14th century Norman Castle - O’Doherty’s Keep.
'The Keep' is such an important part of local and national history, and is synonymous with the name 'O'Doherty' in all of it's variations, worldwide. From Donegal to New York, from London to Guatemala, our ancestry has spanned the globe from the humble beginnings of Donegal, and the Keep. Built by the Norman's and occupied by Sir Cahir O'Dochartaigh, 'The Keep' is the link connecting Buncrana to the O'Doherty's around the world.
Buncrana Main Street, Inishowen Peninsula, Donegal
We have arrived at Buncrana on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way and also noted because this is 'Amazing Grace' country. We are out for a short exploratory walk along the main street. We have never visited before. Unfortuantely we do not have a lot of time. It would be great to come back here for longer as I know that we have missed a lot of things like churches beaches shoreline and sculptures.
Buncrana (/ˈbʌn.krænə/; Irish: Bun Cranncha, meaning foot of the (River) Crana) is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. It is beside Lough Swilly on the Inishowen peninsula, 23 kilometres (14 mi) northwest of Derry and 43 kilometres (27 mi) north of Letterkenny. In the 2016 census, the population was 6,785[1] making it the second most populous town in County Donegal, after Letterkenny, and the largest in Inishowen.
Buncrana is the historic home of the O'Doherty clan and originally developed around the defensive tower known as O'Doherty's Keep at the mouth of the River Crana. The town moved to its present location just south of the River Crana when George Vaughan built the main street in 1718.
The town was a major centre for the textile industry in County Donegal from the 19th century until the mid-2000s (decade).
Buncrana has strong connections to the O'Doherty clan, John Newtown, George Vaughan and Wolfe Tone.
When John Newton and his shipmates on The Greyhound found a haven in Lough Swilly on 8 April 1748 after a devastating Atlantic storm, he saw his survival as divine intervention, the answer to prayer. The refuge of the Swilly and Buncrana area laid a spiritual foundation for a reformed later life. In 1764 he became a Church of England clergyman and subsequently, as curate at Olney in Buckinghamshire, an anti-slavery activist and renowned hymnist famous for writing “Amazing Grace”.
We need to come back for a longer stay! So much to see!
In October 1905, Buncrana was the first town in County Donegal to receive electricity. It was generated at Swan Mill which continued to provide electricity for the town until September 1954 when Buncrana was brought under the ESB Rural Electrification Scheme
O'Doherty Castle Carrickabraghy Inishowen Co. Donegal
Carrickabraghy Castle is one of the iconic sites of the historic Inishowen peninsula. It is also known as O'Doherty Castle.
Built in the 16th century on a rocky promontory with
spectacular views of the Donegal hills and headlands,
this O’Doherty stronghold stands on the site of a
pre-Viking settlement recorded in the Annals (of Ireland).
For more Information visit
Castles County Donegal, Ireland
A selection of some of the most beautiful castles in County Donegal, Ireland.
Castle ruins can be spotted in many areas of the county, including:
Burt Castle, (near Letterkenny)
Carrickabraghy Castle, (near Clonmany)
Doe Castle, (Cresslough)
Donegal Castle (Donegal Town)
Glenveagh Castle (near Letterkenny)
Inch Castle (inch Island, Inishowen))
Lough Eske Castle (near Donegal Town)
McSwyne Castle (Near Killybegs)
Mongavlin Castle ((near Lifford)
O'Doherty Keep (Buncrana)
Raphoe Castle (Raphoe Town)
Termon McGrath Castle (Pettigo)
Fort Dunree
Fort Dunree is located about seven miles north of Buncrana in the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal. The site is situated along the shores of Lough Swilly commanding a majestic view of the Lough and its shorelines.
The Fort Dunree heritage museum complex was originally opened to the public in 1986, and has provided interest for the tourists of all ages ever since. It has also been a source of great pleasure and reminiscence for those of a military background, whether having served at the post or just been involved in its military history.
The Fort stood guard during World War 1 whilst Admiral Lord Jellicoe’s fleet anchored in Lough Swilly prior to engaging the German Navy at the Battle of Jutland. Control of Fort Dunree was transferred to the Irish Free State just before World War 2 and Irish forces were stationed here to prevent the states at war violating the country’s neutrality.
A visit to Fort Dunree will include a video film presentation in an audio - visual theatre, access to museum displays which fully demonstrate life at Fort Dunree, showing its vital role in coastal defence and neutrality protection; and a complete expose of coastal artillery.
The underground bunkers house a collection of artifacts giving meaning and insight into the operation of this excellent relic of military history.
In its natural spectacular setting, Fort Dunree is rich in wildlife, some of it unique to the area. This is further explained in the museum, and admirably supported by a beautiful wildlife exhibition with sea life and birdlife displays.
Fort Dunree has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years with the development of a network of walking paths, the restoration of former military buildings to create a wildlife exhibition and further military displays, it is well worth a visit.
O Doherty's Castle Inch from the sky
Inch Castle is situated at the extreme seaward end of Inch Island. It was built in the middle of the fifteenth century but, by 1609, when granted to Sir Arthur Chichester, he stated that it was in a state of disrepair.
When the castle was built, Inch was an island and was considered secure. It guarded the waters of the Swilly and protected the heartlands of the O’Dohertys
Burt Castle is a hidden gem that many people pass by without visiting. There is no road leading to it and it is actually now located on private farmland – however, this means that when you visit, you are likely to have the whole place to yourself.
Rockfort Villas, Buncrana, Co Donegal - SALE AGREED
An elegant end of terrace two storey Victorian period residence boasting many original features and offering a refurbishment opportunity for restoration to its former glory. Accommodation comprises five bedrooms arranged over three floors, two ground floor reception rooms and a kitchen to the rear. Floor area is 178 sq m (1,916 sq ft). The existing layout could be altered to your own taste and requirements.
Full details are available here:
O'Doherty's Rebellion
Charlie Gallagher provides an insight into the rebellion of Sir Cahir 'Rua' O'Doherty, the last Gaelic Chieftain of Co. Donegal, Ireland.
Filmed and Edited by Claire Warren
Special thanks to the Guild Hall in Derry/Londonderry for kind permission to film there, make sure to check out their current display on the Plantation of Ulster, where you can see Sir Cahir's sword and learn more about the events leading up to the plantation itself.
Find them on Facebook:
Thanks to Mary-Rose and Branden Kern in Coffee Time, Kilmacrennan, Co. Donegal, find them here:
Insta: tiscoffeetime
Email us: ceegeeceeproductions@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/blacksmithcharlie
Instagram: silver_anvil_forge
2018
Doherty * * *
An animated Doherty-clan crest.
By Max Morris-Doherty
Linsfort Castle B&B Buncrana
Linsfort Castle B&B near Buncrana is featured on UTV's Lesser Spotted Ulster on Sunday 19th September at 6.45pm.
The new time gives UTV viewers the chance to round off the weekend in the relaxing company of the show's presenter, Joe Mahon, one of Northern Ireland's favourite television personalities.
Lesser Spotted Ulster explores the beautiful, but often overlooked nooks and crannies of the Ulster countryside while Joe exchanges banter with the locals.
History Minute Toryn O'Doherty
Tullyarvan Mill Hostel and Conference, Buncrana Inishowen | Go Visit Donegal
The Tullyarvan Mill Tourism Hostel is attached to a 19th century renovated corn mill situated on the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ just outside the seaside town of Buncrana in the Inishowen peninsula.
Tullyarvan Mill Community,
Cultural & Hostel Centre Tullyarvan Mill,
Buncrana,
Inishowen,
Donegal,
Ireland
Tel. +353 (0) 74 93 61613
Fax: +353 (0) 74 93 61643
Email: info@tullyarvanmill.com
The Hostel provides modern, comfortable and clean budget accommodation including 51 beds in a total mix of private rooms and dormitories all en-suite and a large self catering kitchen.
The hostel is surrounded by wonderful scenery and many activities to enjoy.
Workshops, meetings and events can be held in one of our 4 dedicated function rooms, with equipment and catering available on request.
So visit our website and get in touch to book your stay at the Tullyarvan Mill, Buncrana, Co. Donegal
Go Visit Donegal in the beautiful North West of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way touring route. Donegal has three of the main Signature Points of the Wild Atlantic Way including Sliabh Liag, Malin Head and Fanad Head. Start your unforgettable journey on
Inch Island Castle (O'Dohertys) Co, Donegal Republic Of Ireland
Inch Island Castle (O'Dohertys) Co, Donegal Republic Of Ireland Inch Castle is a ruined castle located on the southern tip of Inch Island in County Donegal, Ireland. The castle was constructed around 1430 by the Gaelic Irish lord Neachtain O'Donnell for his father-in-law Cahir O'Doherty.The O'Doherty's were the dominant family on the nearby peninsula of Inishowen and had close links with the O'Donnells. It came to form part of the defensive network of O'Doherty fortifications designed to protect them from rival clans.
By 1609, when granted to Sir Arthur Chichester, he stated that it was in a state of disrepair.
When the castle was built, Inch was an island and was considered secure. It guarded the waters of the Swilly and protected the heartlands of the O’Dohertys. Interestingly though, the O’Dohertys resided at the castle of Elagh, near Londonderry instead, until 1600.
The land between the Swilly and the Foyle was rich in cattle and corn, but it was vulnerable to attack from both land and sea, thus explaining the number of castles built in the region. Therefore, Inch Castle was built as part of a network of O’Doherty castles designed to ward off anyone who threatened their lordship.
As for Inch Island itself, it had over four hundred inhabited houses in the early seventeenth century, making it the wealthiest district in Donegal at that time. This, in the context of upheaval in Ulster, made it a target throughout the century.
The loss of Inch Island to the English was the catalyst for Sir Cahir O’Doherty’s rebellion against the English.
Ireland Donegal Raphoe Castle - Historical Landscape Scenery
The well preserved ruin of a fortified Bishop's Palace in the small town of Raphoe (popn circa 1500) in County Donegal.
Raphoe could well be described as a frontier town, such was the level of it's involvement in the wars which ravaged much of Ireland beginning with Norman invasion and including Irish rebellions and Cromwellian conquest. Indeed it holds the distinction of being one of the last outlying fortified positions to finally surrender to Cromwellian forces. It should come as no surprise therefore that the enigmatic Scottish Episcopalian Bishop Dr John Leslie, a former teacher of King Charles I, had the foresight to build his palatial home in the 1630's on a site of a ruined round tower with defensive hill - and fortified sections of it to withstand cannon and mortar assault. Only an accidental fire in 1838 would destroy this castle which had endured multiple assaults on it's position.
Raphoe's history lends itself well to the complexity of modern Irish political and religious history through the centuries, beginning with this area of Irish Gaelic Ulster being selected as a Plantation settlement under King James I and the arrival of the wealthy Scottish Hamilton and Montgomery families to develop the superbly fertile lands here and in nearby Convoy town. The working settlers were dominated by Presbyterian Lowland Scots, many of whom could speak their native Scottish Gallic and therefore have some opportunity of cultural communication with the native Gaelic speaking Irish. An establishment Conformist, Bishop Leslie himself was apparently no admirer of either Catholic Irish or Presbyterian settler.
For many centuries previous, the region was marked by the ebb and flow of native Scots/Irish tribal dominance bearing out in the names of local families and indigenous aristocracy.
Raphoe town now is a picturesque and very tidy small town with friendly locals and a townhouse in it's 'Diamond' centre showcasing the local history. If you're there, stop someone and ask about the history and sites, if they don't know they will know someone nearby who does! Of note - Raphoe's Beltany stone circle is one of the largest in Ireland and said to predate Stonehenge.
O'Doherty Castle - Inch Island
O'Doherty Castle ruins on Inch Island in County Donegal, Inishowen Peninsula, Ireland - June 30, 2013. The ruins of a centuries-old castle at the southwest corner of Inch Island. Not easy to access.
Fort Dunree Buncrana Inishowen Co. Donegal
Fort Dunree, Dun Fhraoigh in Irish means, “Fort of the Heather” and indicates that this site has been an important defensive site down through history. Today however, its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife are drawing increasing numbers of visitors to one of Inishowen’s most beautiful and peaceful locations..
Irish Session - O'Doherty's Pub, Spokane, WA
Irish session featuring interviews with musicians, John Sylte (fiddle) and Michael Cruite (Uilleann pipes), and live instrumental Irish dance music at O'Doherty's Irish Grille in Spokane, Washington.
March 4 & 11, 2018.
The story of the name O'Doherty, Doherty, Docherty.
The story of the Irish name O'Doherty and its variations Doherty and Docherty. Discover how and where the name originated in Ireland and what it means. See how the name changed over the years and why it spread across the world, particularly to the United States. Find out about famous O'Dohertys who have made their mark in their chosen fields... and see stunning artwork and products featuring the name O'Doherty.
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O'Doherty Keep
Walking to the O'Doherty Keep in Buncrana, County Donegal, Ireland. June 29, 2013
Doherty Ireland Trip 2016
Father son trip