Sites and Monuments Record · Ireland
Inauguration site
Doon, County Donegal, Ireland
The record
- Townland
- Doon
- County
- Donegal
- Country
- Ireland
- First-edition OS map
- Doon Rock
- Latest-edition OS map
- Doon Rock
- Coordinates
- 55.02608, -7.82124
- SMR number
- DG044-015002-
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 4 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1881 "Ireland to Illustrate the Military Condition of the Country." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
This record in the National Monuments Service's Historic Environment Viewer ↗
The National Monuments Service's description
Doon Rock is traditionally believed to be the inauguration site of the O'Donnells. In some respects, it can be said to resemble an inland promontory fort. It consists of a natural mound of rock somewhat oval in plan c. 150m N-S and c. 75m E-W. It rises dramatically from the surrounding wet land and is naturally defensive. The sides are steep but an approach is possible with difficulty from the S. Near the S side of the rock, there is a 2m change in level. On the N or upper side of this step and surviving for about 17m in length c. 3m wide and 0.3m in height is the remains of a collapsed and overgrown stone wall. About 5m from the W end of the wall, there is a gap 2m wide. The rock is much overgrown and uneven. (Kinahan 1889, 284). In 2006 the area on top of the rock was landscaped and a path constructed to facilitate access (SMR file).
The above description was published in 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 this instance the entry has been revised and updated.
Revised by: Paul Walsh
Date of upload: 04 November 2013
Nearby in the register
- Inauguration stoneunder 1 mi
- Promontory fort - inlandunder 1 mi
- Ritual site - holy wellunder 1 mi
- Megalithic tomb - unclassifiedunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.