Carrickabraghy Castle

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.

Address
Isle of Doagh, Clonmany, Ireland

Established
16th century