Buncrana Castle

Map Reference: C342326 (2342, 4326)

Buncrana Castle, also known as O'Doherty's Keep, is situated in Tullynarvan townland. Parts of the building may date from the 15th century but extensive renovations and repairs were carried out in the early 17th century by Hugh Boy O'Doherty. After Sir Cahir O'Doherty's revolt in 1608 it was burned by the English but was probably repaired soon after. It was granted to Chichester at the time of the Plantation and he leased it to Henry Vaughan. The Vaughan Family resided there until 1718 when they built the large house nearby.



The small tower is three storeys high and measures 9.9m by 8.6m externally. The original entrance was on the ground floor in the north wall. It was protected by a murder-hole and a mural stairway rises to the left.



This entrance is now blocked and a small window, flanked by two gun-loops, was inserted. The present entrance is on the first floor in the east wall.



For details of some other Tower Houses click on the following links

Ballynalacken, Co Clare Ballyportry, Co Clare Cratloemoyle, Co Clare Gleninagh, Co Clare Smithstown, Co Clare Ballinacarriga, Co Cork Carrickadroichid, Co Cork Dunmanus, Co Cork Audley’s Castle, Co Down Jordan’s Castle, Co Down Kilclief, Co Down Narrow Water, Co Down Dunsoghly, Co Dublin Ardamullivan, Co Galway Drumharsna, Co Galway Feartagar, Co Galway Lydacan, Co Galway Ballymalis, Co Kerry Ballybur, Co Kilkenny Burnchurch, Co Kilkenny Foulksrath, Co Kilkenny Rockstown, Co Limerick Castlerea, Co Longford Ardee, Co Louth Killincoole, Co Louth Dunmahon, Co Louth Roodstown, Co Louth Termonfeckin, Co Louth Kildavnet, Co Mayo Kinlough, Co Mayo Rockfleet, Co Mayo Donore, Co Meath Lynch’s Castle, Co Meath Clonony, Co Offaly Shrah, Co Offaly Ballyfinboy, Co Tipperary Ballyvada, Co Tipperary Grallagh, Co Tipperary Graystown, Co Tipperary Lisronagh, Co Tipperary Moycarkey, Co Tipperary Tombrickane, Co Tipperary Syonan, Co Westmeath Tyrrelspass, Co Westmeath Kilcloggan, Co Wexford Rathmacknee, Co Wexford Taghmon, Co Wexford Threecastles, Co Wicklow