What is recorded here

Lough Eske Castle in Donegal has stood since the mid-nineteenth century on a site first recorded in 1751, but a hidden stone in a rear yard carries the marks WH, IM and 1621. That small inscription suggests an older house existed before the known mansion, perhaps belonging to someone whose name has been lost. The castle still stands, yet the stone keeps a younger memory alive beneath the grander structure.

The mid-nineteenth century Lough Eske Castle occupies the site of an earlier mansion of 1751 (DG094-005002-) (Rowan 1979, 408), which was itself probably a rebuilding of an earlier 17th century house (DG094-005001-), as is indicated by a surviving date stone built into the wall at the SE corner of an out-building in the yard behind the castle; the inscription, in false relief reads WH, IM and the date 1621. 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

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.