Carrickabraghy Castle, Clonmany, Ireland

Carrickabraghy Castle (Caisleán Charraig Bhrachaí) on a rocky outcrop at the north-western extremity of the Isle of Doagh in the north of Inishowen, a peninsula on the north coast of County Donegal, Ireland.

From the 9th to the 13th century Inishowen was politically divided into three 'tuatha' or districts. These were known as Aileach in the south, Bredach to the east and Carraig Bhrachai to the west. The Lords of Carraig Bhrachai ruled from the town-land of Carrickabraghy, the area where the Castle now stands. They were one of the most important families in Inishowen.

Carraig Bhrachai is not mentioned again in the history books until 1600. The present remains of the castle are thought to have been built around this time. The O Dochartaigh Clan had risen into power in Inishowen and the Chief of the clan and Lord of Inishowen was Sean Og O Dochartaigh. The English invasion of Ireland was well underway, and to protect his livestock and supplies from English raids, Sean Og decided the best place to store them was on The Isle of Doagh.

Around 1665 Carrickabraghy Castle was abandoned, and began to decline for several centuries.

Castles and fortifications in Ireland

User Reviews

Elena Tabandzhova (2 years ago)
Beautiful spot with lots of history and stunning views. Park on the grass and after 20 meters you are in the castle grounds. Seek for the wave splash behind the castle but I think it's visible only on high tide waves.

Velin Georgiev (2 years ago)
Great place to visit at high tide ?. There is a small parking lot behind the buildings. If you proceed on the farm road after visiting the castle you will also end up on a beach.

Sabrina Nicholl-Flood (3 years ago)
This was such an odd attraction. It's listed as dangerous so not to comfortablewalking around especially in high winds. It also feels like you're in the locals back garden so you feel like you're intruding! Beautiful views of the coast but where in donegal don't you have this!

Silvana McDevitt (3 years ago)
Although there is not much left of the castle, what is left is wonderful to see and explore. The sights around the castle are amazing and we absolutely loved watching the ocean crash on the rocks. There is a small beach beside the castle which is great for getting a better angle of the powerful waves hitting the cliffsides. I would reccomend this to anyone in the area who is looking to see some history and some nature all in one.

Dave M (3 years ago)
Exquisite location. Small castle structure on rugged coastline of North Donegal Isle. Fabulous views. Not much in the way of parking and no facilities of any sort apart from information signs.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Carrickabraghy Castle

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