Doe Castle
About
A MacSweeney stronghold on the waterline of an inlet of Sheephaven Bay, off the R245 between Creeslough and Carrigart, about 14 kilometres from Dunfanaghy by road. The Office of Public Works dates it to the 1420s and says at least thirteen MacSweeney chiefs held it over almost two centuries: one sheltered survivors of the Spanish Armada in 1588, and the last marched out with Red Hugh O'Donnell to the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. Inside the tower is a carved MacSweeney grave slab of 1544, and display panels on site tell the rest. The grounds are open daily all year and free. Tours of the keep itself are by appointment only, booked by email through the address on the OPW's page, with 48 hours' notice for cancellations. There is a public car park close to the castle.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Built in the 1420s, per the Office of Public Works
- ✓Sheltered Spanish Armada survivors in 1588
- ✓A carved MacSweeney grave slab of 1544 inside the tower
- ✓Grounds free and open daily all year
Tips
- →Tours of the keep need booking by email in advance through the OPW's Doe Castle page; turning up will usually get you the grounds only.
- →Combine it with Ards Forest Park, which is on the way.