What clan has their home at Donegal Castle?
the O’Donnell clan
Donegal Castle is made up of original structures built by the O’Donnell clan and additions that were built in the 17th century by the English family who later owned the castle. The most distinguishing feature of Donegal Castle is the tower house – the tallest part of the building complex.
Who owns Donegal Castle?
A few years later the King granted the castle and its lands to Basil Brooke, whose descendants owned it until 1898 when it was donated to the state. It was partially restored in the 1990s. Both these families are interesting and have an important place in Irish History.
Where does the name O’Donnell come from?
O’donnell Name Meaning Irish (Donegal, Munster): Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Domhnaill ‘descendant of Domhnall’ (see McDonnell). This name is borne by several different Irish families.
When was Donegal castle built?
Built by the O’Donnell chieftains in the 15th Century, beside the river Eske in Donegal Town, Donegal Castle was rebuilt in Jacobean style in the 16th Century by Sir Basil Brooke, after Hugh O’Donnell burnt it to the ground rather than let it fall into enemy hands.
Why was Donegal built?
Red Hugh O’Donnell himself built it as his personal fortress in the fifteenth century. It is said that, leaving to seek succour in Spain in the wake of the Battle of Kinsale, Hugh determined to make sure his castle would never ever fall into English hands – by setting it on fire.
Is O’Donnell an Irish or Scottish name?
What does O’Donnell mean in Irish?
world mighty
The name O’Donnell literally translates to “world mighty” or “world rulers.” The O’Donnells have been prominent in Irish life, and the clan has produced a variety of notable figures throughout history, including soldiers, church officers, authors, and politicians.
Where is the location of O’Donnell Castle Donegal?
Strategic Location. The O’Donnell Castle Donegal Town was built on the shores of the river Eske, on a curve, just where the river meets the head of Donegal Bay, at the scenic Eske estuary.
Who was the first person to build Donegal Castle?
Donegal Castle was originally built by Chieftain Red Hugh O’Donnell the First in 1474. The powerful Celtic Chieftain of Donegal also facilitated the construction of nearby Donegal Abbey, completed the same year. This largest, most strongly fortified of all Ireland’s Gaelic Celtic castles, was built in the form of a towering keep.
Where was the castle that Red Hugh O’Donnell built?
In the very heart of the county town, towering over the River Eske, stands Donegal Castle. Red Hugh O’Donnell himself built it as his personal fortress in the fifteenth century.
Who was given the title of Lord of Donegal?
An English army captain by the name of Sir Basil Brooke was given the title Lord of Donegal, which included ownership of Donegal Castle. Prior to their departure from Ireland, the O’Donnells had severely damaged the castle’s keep. It was Brooke who made the repairs and added the manor house to the castle.