Doe Castle is a fortified enclosure located on the Sheephaven in County Donegal. Built in the 16th century, this architectural jewel was once the property of the Suibhne clan, and is still in remarkable condition today, open to the public…
The castle’s origins date back to the 16th century, when it was built as a residence for the Mac Sweeney clan, Scots-Irish immigrants to Ireland. That’s why the castle’s architecture is so unusual in Ireland. It bears a strong resemblance to Scottish tower-houses…
The castle soon changed hands, belonging to the Suibhne clan, a wealthy family who took over the Mac Sweeney estate.
During the Irish Confederate Wars (1641-1653), Owen Roe O’Neill landed at Doe Castle in 1642 with a troop of 160 veterans to lead the Confederate armies. A few years later, in 1650, the castle passed into new hands and became the property of Charles Coote, Governor of Derry.
He was only there for a short time, and the castle went through a new succession of occupants, until it was finally acquired by George Vaughan Harte in 1843, then abandoned in the 20th century, and taken over by the Irish state, which turned it into a tourist attraction.
Doe Castle was built on Sheephaven Bay, near Creeslough, for an unobstructed view of the surrounding area. The château consists of a fortified enclosure enclosed by a small crenellated corner turret. In the center of the courtyard stands a gigantic 5-storey white tower, topped by a chimney. You can visit the castle in the company of a guide, who will explain the castle’s history, the subtleties of its Scottish-style architecture, and the period furniture that once decorated the fortress’s rooms and chambers.
