Location: Greencastle, Inishowen Peninsula Map
Constructed: 1305
Greencastle (Irish: An Caisleán Nua, meaning "New Castle") is a vibrant coastal village on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland, located on the western shores of Lough Foyle in the northwest of the country. Known for its rich history, maritime heritage, scenic beauty, and evolving role as a tourist destination, Greencastle combines the charm of a traditional fishing port with the appeal of a Donegal holiday village.
Greencastle is situated in the northeast of the Inishowen Peninsula,
a region celebrated for its rugged coastline and natural beauty.
Positioned at the mouth of Lough Foyle, a large estuary separating
County Donegal from County Derry in Northern Ireland, Greencastle is
approximately 4 km from Moville, 30 km northeast of Derry City, 40 km
from Malin Head (Ireland’s northernmost point), and 115 km from
Letterkenny, Donegal’s largest town. The village lies along the R241
road, which connects it to Moville and the Inishowen Lighthouse at
Shroove.
The village’s strategic location at the entrance to
Lough Foyle has historically made it significant for maritime
activities, from fishing to military defense. Its proximity to Northern
Ireland also facilitates cross-border connections, notably via the
Greencastle-Magilligan ferry. The surrounding landscape features sandy
beaches, rolling hills, and the dramatic backdrop of the Inishowen
Peninsula, making it a gateway to exploring the region’s coastal and
inland attractions.
Greencastle’s history is deeply tied to its eponymous castle,
Northburgh Castle (also known as Greencastle Castle), built in 1305 by
Richard de Burgh, the Red Earl of Ulster. The castle’s name likely
derives from the green freestone used in its construction, though its
Irish name, An Caisleán Nua, reflects its status as a "new" stronghold
at the time. Constructed by the Anglo-Normans to assert control over the
northwest of Ireland and to dominate local Gaelic clans like the
O’Donnells and O’Dohertys, the castle was one of the largest and most
formidable of its kind in Ireland, described in the Ulster Journal of
Archaeology as "the largest and most impressive building of its kind in
Ireland."
Key Historical Events
1305: Richard de Burgh builds
Northburgh Castle to secure Anglo-Norman power in Ulster.
1316: The
castle is captured by Edward Bruce during his invasion of Ireland,
briefly serving as a base before his defeat later that year.
1333:
The murder of William de Burgh, the Brown Earl, marks the decline of
Norman influence in the region, and the castle passes to local Gaelic
families, notably the O’Dohertys.
1555: Calvagh O’Donnell attacks the
castle using early artillery (gunna cam), contributing to its partial
ruin.
1600s: Sir Arthur Chichester, an English administrator, makes
minor repairs to house troops, but by 1700, the castle falls into
complete ruin.
Early 19th Century: A Martello Fort is constructed
beside the castle ruins during the Napoleonic Wars (circa 1800) to guard
against potential French invasions. A twin fort exists across Lough
Foyle at Magilligan, County Derry.
Today, the castle remains a
striking ruin, with conservation efforts underway by the Northburgh
Castle Conservation Group, established in 2021, to preserve it for
future generations. The group has secured funding from the Heritage
Council for a conservation plan.
Greencastle’s position at the mouth of Lough Foyle made it a key point for trade, fishing, and defense. The castle’s strategic role extended to controlling access to the estuary, and its later Martello Fort reinforced this during the Napoleonic era. The village’s maritime history is also reflected in its role as a departure point for Irish emigrants, particularly during the 19th century, with artifacts and records preserved in the Inishowen Maritime Museum.
Greencastle has experienced significant population growth in recent years, making it the fastest-growing urban area in County Donegal between the 2016 and 2022 censuses. The population increased by 52.6%, from 831 to 1,268 residents, reflecting its rising appeal as a residential and tourist destination. This growth is likely driven by its scenic location, improved connectivity (e.g., ferry services), and the decline of traditional fishing, which has shifted the village toward tourism and holiday homes.
Historically, Greencastle’s economy centered on its commercial
fishing port, one of the largest in Ireland. The harbor supports
trawlers, inshore fishing boats, and seafood processing, with
organizations like the Greencastle Fishermen’s Co-Op, Foyle Fishermen’s
Co-Op, and Fresco Seafoods playing key roles. The village is renowned
for its fresh seafood, earning a reputation as a "seafood mecca," with
restaurants like the Castle Inn Restaurant & B&B showcasing locally
sourced dishes.
However, the decline of the fishing industry has
transformed Greencastle into a "typical Donegal holiday village."
Tourism now drives much of the local economy, supported by:
Ferry
Services: The Greencastle-Magilligan ferry, inaugurated in 2002,
connects Donegal to Northern Ireland, saving 78 km (49 miles) of driving
via Derry and offering scenic views of Lough Foyle. A seasonal Lough
Swilly ferry also operates between Buncrana and Rathmullan.
Cruise
Ship Visitors: Greencastle serves as a disembarkation point for cruise
ships unable to navigate the shallow Foyle Estuary to Lisahally docks in
Derry. Passengers use tenders to reach the pier, which saves 5 hours of
sailing time compared to docking elsewhere.
National Fisheries
College (NFC): Located in Greencastle, the NFC trains young people for
maritime careers. A €1.1 million extension, funded by the INTERREG II
Initiative, added advanced facilities, including a realistic simulator
bridge deck.
The harbor, first developed with a proper pier in 1813
and expanded multiple times, remains a hub for both fishing and tourism.
A new pilot office replaced the decommissioned Carrickarory Pier
facility, enhancing maritime operations.
Greencastle’s cultural offerings are rooted in its maritime and
historical significance, with several notable attractions:
Northburgh Castle and Martello Fort
The 13th-century castle ruins are
a focal point for visitors, offering insights into Anglo-Norman
architecture and regional history. The adjacent Martello Fort, built
circa 1800, adds a layer of Napoleonic-era history. Both are accessible
and free to explore, though visitors should exercise caution on uneven
steps.
The castle is linked to the Derry city crest, which may depict
it in the background, symbolizing its regional importance.
Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium
Housed in the former
Coastguard Station at Greencastle Harbour, the museum, opened in 1995,
showcases the village’s seafaring heritage. Exhibits include a
19th-century rocket cart for shipwreck rescues, a traditional Fanad
Curragh (a hazel-rod boat), a wild fowling punt with a swivel gun, and
artifacts from the Spanish Armada ships sunk off Ireland’s coast in
1588.
The planetarium, added in 2000, offers immersive stargazing
experiences, making it a unique attraction in the region.
The museum
also documents Greencastle’s emigration history, with photographs,
tickets, and records of emigrant ships.
Inishowen Maritime
Memorial
Located along the seafront, this memorial, unveiled in 1997
by President Mary Robinson, honors Inishowen residents who died at sea
since 1771. The monument includes plaques listing known victims, though
some names remain unrecorded.
National Fisheries College
Beyond its economic role, the NFC contributes to Greencastle’s cultural
identity by preserving and promoting maritime skills, preparing students
for careers at sea.
Greencastle’s coastal setting and proximity to Inishowen’s natural
wonders make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Key attractions
include:
Kinnagoe Bay
A short drive from Greencastle, Kinnagoe
Bay is a stunning, unspoiled beach with golden sands and turquoise
waters, often compared to tropical strands. It’s ideal for swimming,
picnicking, or relaxing after exploring the village.
Walks and
Hikes
The Inishowen Peninsula offers numerous trails, with
Greencastle serving as a base. A moderate 8.5 km hike northeast of the
village (2-3 hours, 230m height gain) features bog roads and tarmac,
showcasing the peninsula’s rugged beauty.
Nearby Shroove Beach and
Lighthouse, accessible via the R241, offer scenic coastal walks.
Ferry Trips
The Lough Foyle Ferry to Magilligan Point provides a
15-minute crossing with panoramic views of Inishowen and the Causeway
Coastal Route. It’s a time-saving alternative to driving and connects
visitors to attractions like the Giant’s Causeway.
Malin Head
A 40-minute drive from Greencastle, Malin Head is Ireland’s northernmost
point, known for its dramatic cliffs, wild Atlantic waves, and Star Wars
filming locations.
Greencastle has embraced its role as a tourist destination,
particularly during the summer when visitors flock to its beaches,
restaurants, and cultural sites. The village offers a range of
accommodations, including:
Castle Inn Restaurant & B&B: A
shorefront property known for fresh seafood and stylish rooms with views
of Lough Foyle.
Templeview Lodge: A four-star B&B offering hearty
Irish breakfasts and scenic views.
Self-Catering Options: Cottages,
apartments, and log cabins near the harbor cater to families and
independent travelers.
The village’s lively pubs, such as those near
the harbor, provide a taste of Donegal’s social culture, often featuring
traditional music and local cuisine. Greencastle’s accessibility by bus
(from Derry, Letterkenny, or Buncrana), car, or ferry makes it an ideal
base for exploring Inishowen and beyond.
Greencastle has produced or been home to several notable individuals:
Saoirse-Monica Jackson (b. 1993): An actress known for her role in
Derry Girls, raised in Greencastle where her parents ran a pub.
Roma
McLaughlin (b. 1998): A footballer for the Republic of Ireland women’s
national team.
Harbor Access: In 2011, rumors surfaced that visiting yachts were
turned away during a storm due to a private company’s attempt to
establish a marina in the public harbor, highlighting tensions over
public access.
Castle Conservation: Northburgh Castle’s deterioration
is a concern, but the Northburgh Castle Conservation Group’s efforts
signal a commitment to its preservation.
Fishing Industry Decline:
The shift from fishing to tourism has reshaped the village’s identity,
with some locals likely nostalgic for its traditional maritime economy.