Donegal: Dún na nGall — The Fort of the Foreigners
Malcolm Rogers travels to the north west of Ireland to sample the delights
of Donegal Town.
Location
Situated on an inlet at the north eastern extremity of Donegal Bay, at the
estuary of the River Eske.
Getting there
Donegal Town is less than 150 miles from Dublin, 112 miles from Belfast,
and 45 miles from Derry.
Surprising fact
It’s not the county capital. Lifford is.
History
As its name would suggest, turbulent. The town dates back to Viking times
when a fortress guarded the mouth of the river Eske. It is thought that
this gave the town and ultimately the county its name, Dún na nGall, meaning
“Fort of the Foreigners”. The town has since heard the tramp of marching
men many times, and was for a long period the main stomping ground of Red
Hugh O’Donnell, the chieftain of Tír Conail.
The town’s history surrounds the two buildings which still remain from
former times — the Franciscan Friary (15th century) and the castle (17th
century). The Friary was founded in 1474 by Red Hugh and his wife Fingalla,
daughter of the chieftain of Thomond.You can reach the Friary buildings along the seashore.
A monument in the centre of the town, the Obelisk, pays tribute to The
Four Masters of the Friary — O’Mulconry and the three O’Clery’s.These are the gentlemen, one monk and three laymen, who wrote the Annals
of the Four Masters. These 17th century manuscripts have been described
as “the most remarkable collection of national tradition in all Christendom”.
They are the source of much of the history of Donegal as we know it today.
Donegal Castle
Overlooking the River Eske is the O’Donnell stronghold, the family seat
of the clan, originally built in 1474.It was considerably added to by Sir Basil Brooke who took the place over
in the Jacobean period.
Reasons to visit
The charms of the town itself — for a guided tour of the area (summer time
only Telephone: 00 353 73 22312.)
Donegal town is also an ideal place to use as a base for exploring the
southern part of the county, particularly the nearby Blue Stack Mountains. Slieve League, Europe’s highest cliffs are also nearby — and everything
from adrenalin-powered aquatic sports to relaxed strolls in the countryside
can be had in the vicinity.
Good news
Ceilí dancing is still alive and well! Ask at the Scotsman on Bridge Street
for details. The pub, along with the Schooner Inn on Upper Main Street, The Coach
House, the Paradise Bar and The East Dún bar in The Abbey Hotel also provides
traditional music sessions.
Accommodation
If it’s a central location you’re looking for the Hyland Central Hotel (00
353 73 21027) or the Abbey Hotel (00 353 73 21014), both on the Diamond
are ideal.
The Abbey is the more upmarket of the two. Self-catering homes are also
available with the Ardeskin Holiday Homes (00 353 73 22052) and come highly
recommended. B&Bs are scattered throughout the town.
