Donegal

Donegal

Donegal was the 'capital' of Tyrconnell, a Gaelic kingdom controlled by the O'Donnell dynasty of Northern Uí Néill from the 15th to the early 17th century. There is archaeological evidence of settlements in the vicinity of the town dating back to prehistoric times, including the remains of ring forts and other defensive earthworks. The town is home to Donegal Castle, on the banks of the River Eske, and the ruins of Donegal Abbey, a 15th-century Franciscan monastery on the southern shore of the bay. From the end of the 17th century to the beginning of the 20th century, Donegal Town was part of the extensive estates of the Gore family, and it was under their ownership that the town developed its current shape. Evidence of the Great Famine can still be seen in the town. These include a workhouse, the buildings of which are now part of the local hospital, and numerous famine graves. The Four Masters' Annals may have been written in part in the old abbey in the 1630s, and the story of Hugh Roe O'Donnell, Lord of Tyrconnell, has been the source of inspiration for many books and movies, including Disney's The Fighting Prince of Donegal. The Donegal area has many sandy beaches, such as Murvagh Beach, and some with good surfing, such as Rossnowlagh. Donegal is also a popular base for hill walking in the Blue Stack Mountains which are close by.