DONEGAL CASTLE - Milltown, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Red Hugh O’Donnell (Red Hugh I), wealthy chief of the O’Donnell clan, built the castle in 1474. The castle fell in ruin and later rebuilt in the 17th Century. The ruins of Donegal Castle dominate the town of Donegal and as the seat of the power of the O'Donnell Chieftains, it is entwined with the history of the county and the province of Ulster. Standing on a rocky outcrop in the center of Donegal Town, the 17th Century castle is linked to the powerful dynasties of Ulster and a fine surviving example of a Scots Planter fortified home. Donegal Castle was once the principle residence of the O'Donnells one of the leading Gaelic Clans who trace their ancestry back to Niall of the Nine Hostages of the 5th Century. With this as their center of power the O'Donnells ruled the area of Tir Connell, much of Donegal and were renowned mariners and fishermen. However following their defeat in the Battle of Kinsale by the English in the early 17th Century, the O'Donnells left Ireland along with the O'Neills and other Gaelic chiefs, in what is known as "the Flight of the Earls". Donegal Castle was then granted to an English Captain, Basil Brooke, who rebuilt the previous medieval castle into a more comfortable residence in the 17th Century style with a fortified tower, Jacobean Manor house and curtain wall. However the Brookes weren't to stay for long and after Cromwell's rout of Ireland the castle was left to fall into ruin. The Tower House of the castle has been carefully restored to its former glory.