143l. Doonbeg - village, castles, river, church, pier, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way, West of Ireland

Use the [Google search Box] for the full Irish County alphabetical index

The ruins of the tower house, all that is left of Doonbeg Castle on the banks of the Doonbeg River (Abhainn an Duin Bhig)

The name, Doonbeg, a small village near the coast of West Clare, is derived from Dun Beag, meaning, the small fort. The area was officially classified as part of the West Clare Gaeltacht , an Irish-speaking community. Doonbeg grew up around Doonbeg Castle which was built by Philip MacSheeda Mor Mac Con in the 16th century for the Earl of Thomond. Turlough MacMahon of West Corca Baiscinn obtained it in 1585. After his death in 1595 at the end of a fierce siege, the Doonbeg Castle was surrendered once again to the O’Brien’s who, as victors, hanged the entire garrisoned population. O’Brien, a supporter of Queen Elizabeth, received a grant of most of Tadhg Caoch MacMahon’s (heir of Turlough) property, including Doonbeg Castle.  O’Brien, Earl of Thomond, had possession in 1619 when he gave it to James Comyn. Nicholas Strich Fitznicholas of Limerick, also put in a claim for the castle, as Nicholas Strich’s heir, around this time. Doonbeg Castle was confiscated by the Crown for failure to repay debts in 1688 and sold in 1703.  By 1893 it was noted that it lacked gables, battlements and chimneys. Despite its condition, seven families lived in the tower of Doonbeg Castle. In 1907 two families lived there and when Westropp returned a few years later, a man occupied one of the small western rooms. Up to 1930 it was occupied and one of its occupants was a schoolmaster named Michael Scanlan. Locals used its upper floor with its mossy overgrowth as a picnic spot since it afforded privacy and beautiful views.  In September of 1939, Doonbeg Castle was in a dangerous condition due to the effects of weathering and erosion of the Doonbeg river bank. Today, only the north-western corner of the tower is left standing.

In 1580, the now ruined Doonbeg Castle, was owned by Sir Daniel O'Brien of Dough.

Doonbeg Castle has been historically associated with the O'Brien and MacMahon clans.

The IGOE INN Bar and restaurant and IGOE'S RESTAURANT and BEER GARDEN and in the latter we enjoyed a great coffee morning with the locals and home baked cakes!

A Doonbeg coffee morning with the cake wow factor!

There is an interesting octagonal shaped modern church in Doonbeg built in 1976, replacing the older cross-shaped church of 1813.

The Doonbeg RC church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven is a modern church, with stunning stained-glass windows that are uniquely designed so that the very varied colours illuminate the altar throughout the day.
 

There is great display of light and colour from the many sides of stained glass windows.

*

Not far away is the relatively newly built concrete Doonbeg Pier and slipway and the ruins of an old medieval castle.

It is a good safe anchorage, sheltered from most winds, but plenty of rocks out in the bay!

The ruined Doonmore Castle stands by Doonbeg Pier, and looks as if it is about to fall into the sea.

In 1580 Doonmore Castle was owned by Sir Daniel O'Brien of Dough.

Doonmore castle is on the south-western side of Doonbeg Bay

The Doonmore Castle was built by Philip Mac Sheeda Nor McCon. The Annals of the Four Masters refer to Doonmore Castle as Dun More Mhic an Fhearnachaigh. By the end of the 16th century, Doonmore Castle was in the possession of Donough Mac Dermot Mac an Fhearmachaigh, but Mahon MacGorman held title to one third of the castle and all of Donough’s land. Sir Daniel O’Brien of Dough owned Doonmore Castlin 1574. Two decades later, in 1594, Mahon MacGorman assigned his interest in Doonmore Castle to the Earl of Thomond. Murrough MacGucarrick claiming the castle in 1619. Doonmore Castle was confiscated by the crown in 1688 and was sold in 1703.  Doonmore Castle was still inhabited in 1808, but ruined by 1837. A turret at the south-west corner of Doonmore Castle fell around 1898, bringing most of the walls of the upper room with it. Later the rest of Doonmore Castle was pulled down leaving the small portion you see today, at the moment!

 docspics images photos of Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland © Phil Brown Tourist information on Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, Walks near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, Having holidays near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, Ireland, Top tourist attractions near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, luxury hotels near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, self-catering holiday cottages near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, airbnb air B and B near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, good B&B near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, friendly pubs near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, cafes near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, eating out in fine restaurants near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, weekend breaks near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, wining & dining weekends near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, walking holidays around Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, touring coach tours including Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, pretty villages near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, historic towns and pretty village near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, museums near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, local art galleries near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, guided walks from Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, excellent fell hill walking around Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, rambling near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, exploring the landscape near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, good places to eat near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, tourist attractions near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, tourist information for places near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, good places for wining and dining near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, good walks near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, properties for sale near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, renting a flat or house near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, property for rent near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, houses for sale near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, lettings near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, places to rent near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, holiday cottage accommodation near Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland docspics images photos of Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland © Phil Brown Tourist information on Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, Things to do in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, What to see in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, guided walks in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, weekend breaks in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland holidays in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, Top tourist attractions in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, luxury hotels in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, self-catering holiday cottages in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, airbnb air B and B in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, good B&B in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, friendly pubs in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, cafes in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, eating out in fine restaurants in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, bargain holiday breaks in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, wining & dining weekends in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, touring coach tours visiting Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, pretty areas in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, historic buildings in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, visiting museums in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, local art galleries in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, guided walks in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, history of Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, architecture of Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, historic houses in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, historic churches in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, information centre in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, heritage places in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, good places to eat in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, top tourist attractions in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, tourist information for things to do and see in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, good places to eat out in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, good places to walk to in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, tourist attractions properties for sale in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, renting a flat of house in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, property for rent in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, houses for sale in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, lettings in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, places to rent in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland, holiday cottage accommodation in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Wild Atlantic Way West Coast of Ireland