Settlement cluster in Aghnahoo Glebe

'The lands of Termon McGrath were granted to James, son of Archbishop Myler McGrath in 1610 (Hill 1877, 183-4). In 1611 Carew records that the 'Archbishop of Cashill hath begune a prittie castle at Termon Magragh w'ch he entends speedily to finish, havinge his materials ready at the place wher he meanes to buyld a bawne and finish the castle' (Hunter 1975, 82). In the campaign of 1649-50 Termon McGrath Castle was bombarded by Cromwellian troops and the N wall of the tower-house destroyed; it has remained a ruin ever since (Rowan 1979, 453)'. 'Tarmon McGragh Castle & Towne' is marked on the Down Survey (1655-6) map of the Parish of Cam, Barony of Tyrehugh. It appears that a small village grew up around the castle [DG105-014001- and DG105-014003-] (Ó Gallachair n.d. 17). A number of drains (DG105-014003-) criss-cross the area to the E and W of the roadway leading to the castle entrance and the aerial photograph (St. Joseph AJT 52) seems to show additional evidence of the layout of the 'town' or possibly of a garden. 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: 08 December 2011