Carrickabraghy Castle

The castle at Carrickabraghy is situated at the extreme end of the Isle of Doagh. It is approximately 5km from the town of Carndonagh and was inhabited by the McFauls from 834AD to 1200AD.

In the Hiberno-Norse period, during a Viking raid in the tenth century, three princesses were taken hostage. However, one of them escaped with plundered treasure. She came ashore at Carrickabraghy and married one of the local chiefs. Despite the Viking ships in the bay numbering one hundred and twenty, the princess’ father succeeded in securing victory over the invaders.

The first castle built on the site was in the late sixteenth century; this castle was occupied by Phelim Brasleigh O’Doherty and became known as “Doherty’s Castle”. It was a refuge for Cahir O’Doherty prior to his rebellion in 1607.