Built in the 1420s on a small peninsula jutting into Sheephaven Bay, Doe Castle was the seat of the MacSweeney clan (gallowglass mercenaries of Scottish origin) for almost two centuries. It retains its surrounding bawn wall and moat cut into the rock, and has been restored with public access to its upper floors.
Visiting Doe castle
Yes, OPW-managed, seasonal tours
"Built in the 1420s on a small peninsula jutting into Sheephaven Bay, Doe Castle was the seat of the MacSweeney clan (gallowglass mercenaries of Scottish origin) for almost two centuries."
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Lough Eske Castle, 51.79 km away in Donegal Town — Castle site dating to 1474 associated with the O'Donnell clan; the standing building was rebuilt in 1861 after earlier structures were destroyed, then gutted by fire in 1939 before a full restoration reopened it as a hotel in 2007.
Nearest castle hotel · 51.79 km
Lough Eske Castle
Donegal Town, Co. Donegal · 5-star / luxury
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