Carrickabraghy Castle
Carrickabraghy Castle in glorious sunlight, Isle of Doagh, Inishowen.
The restored remains belong to Phelemy Brasleigh O’Doherty's castle from around 1600. The O'Doherty of Cenél Conaill from the Laggan Valley gained lordship of Inishowen in the 14th century after the defeat of the Mac Lochlainns of Cenél nEógain. They manifested their power by building castles, amongst them Carrickabraghy.
Doubtless their Norman style stronghold was established over an already existing bastion on this rather wild and windy spot, going back five hundred years, according to the annals. The previous rulers of the Isle were called O Maolfabhail, the servants of Feabhail (anglicised Foyle, probably the name of a local deity after whom Lough Foyle was named).
But people inhabited the Isle of Doagh for much longer. The wonderful rock art found can be dated to the Neolithic. A perfect strategic position will remain so through time and one wonders what may have once stood on this rock.
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