Donegal Castle
One of Ireland’s most splendid Gaelic castles
Admission
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
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Donegal Castle
In the very heart of the county town, towering over the River Eske, stands Donegal Castle. Red Hugh O’Donnell himself built it as his personal fortress in the fifteenth century. It is said that, leaving to seek succour in Spain in the wake of the Battle of Kinsale, Hugh determined to make sure his castle would never ever fall into English hands – by setting it on fire.
But he was to be disappointed. English captain Sir Basil Brooke became the castle’s new lord in 1616. As part of a massive programme of improvements, Brooke built a handsome manor house beside the tower. He also commissioned the magnificent chimney-piece, finely decorated with carved fruit and his own imperious coat of arms.
The building complex fell into ruin in the twentieth century, but was brought back to its former glory in the 1990s. Currently, a suite of information panels illuminates the chequered history of the castle and its disparate owners.
Highlights

Gallery
Opening Times
23 March – 05 November 2023
Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 17:15
Seasonal Opening Times
- Late March - Early November
Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 17:15
- Early November - Late March
Thursday – Monday 09:30 – 16:00
Last admission 15:15
Closed 20-28 December 2022 inclusive, reopening 29 December 2022
Getting Here
In the centre of Donegal Town.
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Toilets
Restrictions
- Assistance dogs only
- Limited Access
Nearby sites to visit
Donegal Castle
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills
Delve into Ulster’s industrial heritage
Approx. 36.1 km from Donegal Castle
Seán Mac Diarmada Cottage
One of the cradles of the Rising
Approx. 37.5 km from Donegal Castle
Glebe House and Gallery
Explore a world-class collection of art
Approx. 41.0 km from Donegal Castle
Resources
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Donegal Castle. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Donegal Castle.
Download the Social Guide