Donegal Franciscan Abbey

About this place

Donegal Abbey (Irish: Mainistir Dhún na nGall) is a ruined Franciscan Priory in Donegal in Ireland. It was constructed by the O'Donnell dynasty in the fifteenth century and remained a center of Classical Christian education even after its destruction during the Nine Years War. It is sometimes referred to as Donegal Friary. It was built in 1474 on the orders of the leading Gaelic lord of the area, the ruler of Tyrconnell Hugh Roe O'Donnell, the First, and his wife Finola O'Brien. In the Nine Years' War, the Abbey was used for a meeting between the rebel leadership and envoys of the Spanish King Philip II. The Abbey was the scene of fighting during the 1601 Siege of Donegal when a force led by Red Hugh O'Donnell attempted to capture the town from Crown forces led by the Gaelic warrior Niall Garve O'Donnell. During the fighting Niall Garve's younger brother Conn O'Donnell was killed. It is also the burial place of Hugh McManus O'Donnell, who died in 1600 after many years residing there among the Franciscans.

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Donegal Franciscan Abbey is located in County Donegal, roughly 180 km (2h 40m drive) from Belfast and 242 km (3h 35m) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 271 m away (Paid). Nearby highlights within a short drive include Four Masters Memorial (0.5 km away).