Carrickabraghy Castle

About

Carrickabraghy Castle (Irish: Caisleán Charraig Bhrachaí stands in the townland of Carrickabraghy meaning "Friars Rock" in Irish) on a rocky outcrop at the north-western extremity of the Isle of Doagh, at the head of Pollan Bay, in the north of Inishowen, a peninsula on the north coast of County Donegal, Ireland. The townland and its castle are located in the Parish of Clonmany in the Barony of Inishowen East. Known as 'The Castles', the site is of local historical importance.

Whilst it is accepted that the Irish word 'Carraig' means rock, there is some debate as to the meaning of 'Bhrachai'. It is thought the word could be a personal name, as it is mentioned in the pre-Norman genealogy of the Cineal Fhearghasa, and could be an ancestor of the McFall sept. Machtochair, in his book Inishowen, Its History, Traditions and Antiquities says Carraig Bhrachai means 'The Friars Rock'.

From the ninth to the thirteenth century Inishowen was politically divided into three 'tuatha' or districts. These were known as Aileach in the south, Bredach to the east and Carraig Bhrachai to the west. The Lords of Carraig Bhrachai were the Ó Maolfabhail sept (anglicised McFall, MacFael, MacFall, MacPaul, and Paul ), who were descended from Cineal Fhearghasa, a branch of Cineal Eoghain. They ruled from the townland of Carrickabraghy, the area where the Castle now stands. They were one of the most important families in Inishowen.

The earliest historical mention of Carrickabraghy comes in The Annals of the Four Masters;

In 834 The monarch Niall Caille led an army into Leinster; one of his officers, Fearghas, son of Badhbhchadh, lord of Carraig Bhrachai, was killed by Munstermen.

In 857 Sechonnan, son of Conaing, king of Carraig Bhrachai, died.

In 878 Maolfabhail, son of Loingseach, lord of Carraig Bhrachai, died.

In 907 Ruarc, son of Maolfabhail, lord of Carraig Bhrachai, died.

In 915 in a battle between the Irish and foreigners – Danes or Norse – the chief of Carraig Bhrachai was slain.

In 965 Tiarnach, son of Ruarc, lord of Carraig Bhrachai, died.

In 1014 Cu Dubh, son of Maolfabhail, chief of Carraig Bhrachai, was slain by the race of Tadhg Breagha.

In 1053 Flaitheartach O Maolfabhail, lord of Carraig Bhrachai, died.

In 1065 Muireartach O Maolfabhail, king of Carraig Bhrachai, was killed by the Ui Meith of Menna Tire.

In 1082 Giolla Chriost O Maolfabhail, king of Carraig Bhrachai, was slain.

In 1102 An army was led by Cineal Eoghain to Maigh Cobha. The Ulidians entered their unguarded camp by night and killed a number, among whom was the king of Carraig Bhrachai, Sitric O Maolfabhail.

In 1166 Aodh O Maolfabhail, king of Carraig Bhrachai, was treacherously killed by Muireartach, son of Niall Mac Lochlainn.

In 1199 Cathalan O Maolfabhail, king of Carraig Bhrachai, was killed by O Dearain [no particulars], who was slain in revenge immediately afterwards by adherents of Cathalan.

In 1215 Trad O Maolfabhail, chief of Cineal Fhearghasa, his brothers and a great number of people were slain in Dumbartonshire in Scotland by Muireadach, the chief steward of Lennox. The particulars of the conflict are not given.

It is striking to see that the Lords of Carrickabraghy were important enough to be included in this book of Irish History over such a long period of time. They were heavily involved in medieval conflicts and were considered important military officers in these battles, fighting alongside kings, and taking to battle across the seas.

Seán Beattie, in his book Ancient Monuments of Inishowen, recounts a tale regarding a Viking raid on Donegal in the tenth century. Three princesses were taken as hostages during the raid. One of the princesses escaped and took plundered treasure with her. She came ashore at Carrickabraghy and married a local chief.