Donegal Castle: Its History + Visitor Guide

For two centuries, the 15th century Donegal Castle lay in ruins, and it wasn’t until the 1990s that it was finally restored to its former glory.

One of the more popular things to do in Donegal Town, Donegal Castle dates to around 1474, when it was built by the O’Donnell’s.

As you marvel at its imposing exterior and wander through its halls, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to ancient Ireland.

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Donegal Castle

Although a visit to the castle in Donegal Town is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

You’ll find Donegal Castle on the aptly named Castle Street, just outside of The Diamond (i.e. Donegal Town Centre).

2. Opening hours

The Donegal Castle opening hours change throughout the year:

• 16th March – 6 November 2024: 10:00 – 18:00
• 7th November 2024 – Mid March 2025: 09:30 – 16:00

3. Admission

The tickets for Donegal Castle are fairly reasonably priced, especially given how good the reviews online are. Tickets cost:

• Adult: €5
• Group/Senior: €4
• Child/Student: €3
• Family: €13

Donegal Castle History

It is said that when Donegal Castle was originally built, it was the most impressive of the many Irish castles the island boasted at the time.

While the castle has been home to only two families over the years, both have played a vital role in Irish history.

The O’Donnell’s, who built the castle in 1474, ruled one of the biggest territories in Ireland known as Tyrconnell at that time (mostly made up of Donegal and neighbouring counties).

An unlikely alliance and many a battle

In the 1580s, the O’Donnell’s joined forces with the O’Neill’s (a lifelong enemy of the clan) as there was threat of their lands being seized by the crown.

Red Hugh O’Donnell, who led the battles against the English was victorious for a short period but eventually lost to the English at the Battle of Kinsale in 1602.

This resulted in Red Hugh and many other Irish Chieftains leaving Ireland for Spain, an exodus known as ‘The Flight of the Earls’.

The rest of the O’Donnell clan held on as best as they could but this was to change.

The English and a journey to restoration

In 1611, the crown took control of all estates that belonged to the O’Donnell clan and gifted the castle to English Captain Sir Basil Brooke.

Brooke began modernising it at once, adding windows, a manor house extension and a banquet hall.

The Brookes owned the castle until the 1670s before selling it to the Gore Dynasty, resulting in the castle falling into ruins in the 18th century.

In 1898, the castle was donated to the Office of Public Works who began restoring the castle in the 1990s. It is now the most impressive of the many castles in Donegal.

Things to see on the Donegal Castle Tour

There’s a reason the Donegal Castle tour is regarded by many as one of the best things to do in Donegal – it’s excellent!

If you plan one doing the Donegal Castle tour, there are a number of things that you should keep an eye out for.

1. The Courtyard

When you are in the courtyard of Donegal Castle, you’ll have your first chance to admire many of the castles interesting features.

The Celtic keep has some unusual medications made for one and you can spot the ruins of the manor-house, made in a Jacobean style.

2. History room

On the top floor of Donegal Castle is where you will find the History Room, full of displays where you can learn a great deal about the most powerful family in Ireland, the O’Donnell’s.

There is also scale models of Donegal Castle so you might discover something you missed.

3. The Old Trip Stairs

The Trip Stairs are my favourite feature on the Donegal Castle tour.

This 543 year old spiral stairway is made entirely by stone.Designed by the O’Donnell Chieftain who made the steps uneven and in varying heights to trip any unsuspecting invader.

As the stair goes clockwise going up, this would give O’Donnell’s more leeway when fighting (as they were right-handed).

4. The Beautiful Stonework

The walls in Donegal Castle are made from stone and made in such a gothic-like intricate way, the attention to detail is thought-provoking.

The underfoot is also impressive, made from a perfectly smooth paved stone.

5. The Mast

Yes, there is a mast from an old ship in Donegal Castle, it’s white sail has turned yellow over the years.

When the O’Donnell’s were in charge, Donegal Town was a thriving hub for international business and ships often delivered cargo to the wharf close to the castle.

6. The Banqueting Hall

And the final thing to keep an eye out for on the Donegal Castle tour is the Banqueting Hall.

The huge fireplace bearing the Brooke family arms and stuffed wild boar head on the wall make this seem like a place where many a fine meal was had.

Places to visit near Donegal Town Castle

One of the beauties of Donegal Castle is that it’s a stone’s-throw from heaps of different things to see and do. 

Or, if you fancy grabbing a bite to eat after the tour, there’s plenty of great restaurants in Donegal Town where you can grab a bite to eat.

If you fancy staying near the castle, see out guide to the best hotels in Donegal Town or the best reviewed B&Bs in Donegal Town. 

1. Beaches galore (15-minute drive): Closest beach to the town is Murvagh Beach (15-minute drive). There’s also Rossnowlagh Beach (20-minute drive) and Mullaghmore Beach (35-minute drive)
2. Bundoran (25-minute drive): There are plenty of things to do in Bundoran, including the Rougey Cliff Walk
3. The Hidden Waterfall (30-minute drive): The not so secret waterfall in Donegal is incredible, but a visit comes with warnings
4. Slieve League (1-hour drive): The Slieve League Cliffs are some of the most impressive cliffs in Ireland