Doon Fort

Internal diam. 36.6m NE-SW, 25.8m NW-SE. Known variously as 'The Bawan', 'Doon Fort' or 'O Boyle's Fort'. This well preserved but partially reconstructed cashel takes up almost the entire area of a small island in Doon Lough. It consists of an oval area enclosed by a massive stone fortification averaging 4m wide at the base and 4.8m in height externally. The wall is battered in a fashion similar to the cashel at the Grianán of Aileach (DG047-012----). The maximum internal height of the wall is 3.35m above the interior ground level and access to the top is gained by four sets of four short flights of steps. A parapet runs along the externalside of the top of the wall. To the S and NNW there are two short stretches where foundations on the external side of the wall project slightly out from the base giving the impression of a low footing. The entrance which is in the SSE consists of a passage through the wall 1.8m wide. It may originally have been roofed. On the SSW side of the entrance an opening gives access at ground level to a wall-passage. A flight of steps at the SSW end of this passage rises to an opening in the top of the wall. On the NNE side of the entrance an opening above ground level enters a second wall passage, narrower and lower than the first. The NNE end of this passage turns at right angles forming a low creep which enters from the base of the interior of the cashel wall face. The ground level in the interior of the cashel is higher than that on the outside. The area around Doon Lough is rough, marshy land with a lot of rock outcrop. There are slight remains, consisting of collapsed walling of a second small cashel (DG064-010----) on another small island to the W in the same lake. 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

Doon Fort is a well-preserved, partially reconstructed cashel located on a small island in Doon Lough, likely dating to the early medieval period. It is associated with the O'Boyle family and is known by several local names, including 'The Bawan' and 'O Boyle's Fort', reflecting its historical and possibly legendary significance in the region.