See the Brooke manor house
English captain Sir Basil Brooke became lord in 1616 and added a handsome manor house beside the tower, complete with a magnificent chimney-piece carved with fruit and his own coat of arms.
Donegal Castle
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About
Red Hugh O'Donnell's 15th-century fortress stands over the River Eske in the middle of Donegal town, its restored tower house and 17th-century manor rooms open to walk through.
Things to Do
Follow the exhibition panels
A suite of information panels and displays tells the castle's chequered story and that of the area, including the nearby Franciscan friary where the Annals of the Four Masters were worked on.
Climb the O'Donnell tower house
Red Hugh O'Donnell built this tower house as his personal stronghold in the 15th century and is said to have set it on fire himself rather than let it fall to the English. The restored tower keeps its fine timber roof and spiral stairwell.
Join a guided tour
Guides take you from the Gaelic lords through the plantation and the long years of ruin up to the 1990s restoration. They also hold a goldmine of genealogical information about the area if you are tracing family roots.
Treasure trails for children
Pictorial treasure trails give younger visitors plenty to hunt for as they explore, making the castle an easy stop with kids.
Eat next door
The Olde Castle Bar & Restaurant sits on Castle Street right beside the castle, a gastropub known for seafood and traditional Irish cooking, open daily from 12pm.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open daily 9:00 to 18:00; last admission 17:15.
- Admission: Adults €5.00, child/student €3.00, group/senior €4.00, family €13.00
- Food: No café or restaurant inside the castle itself; the Olde Castle Bar & Restaurant is on Castle Street right beside it, serving seafood and traditional Irish dishes, open daily from 12pm.
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