Fortification

The National Monuments Service's description

'Dooanmore' is a small island just 7m off the main land at its nearest point. Most of the island is made up of rock outcrop but along the W side of the island is a level sheltered strip c. 120m N-S × 15m to 25m wide. An earthen bank up to 1m high and 3m wide runs along the cliff edge of the strip up to the rock outcrop at its N end. It seems clear that this bank was constructed after the island had separated from the mainland. About 10m from the N end of the strip and 4m in from the Wedge is a rectangular foundation 3m N-S and 7m E-W internally. It is defined by a low bank .2m in height and up to 1.5m wide. 20m to the S is the W half of a second foundation which seems to have been of like size and alignment to the first. 9m to the S is another foundation, 8m E-W and 6m N-S in overall dimensions. Other stretches of bank forming no clear pattern were also noted. 15m S of this last foundation and adjacent to the rock outcrop E limit of the strip, is a water-filled hole, possibly a well. Most of the island is naturally defended by sheer cliff edges. It is locally believed that the island was used as an O'Donnell refuge in the 16th century.

The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated.

Date of upload: 22 September 2008