Buncrana, which is also known as 'Parthas Eireann' or Ireland's Paradise, is the main urban centre and largest town in the picturesque Inishowen Peninsula. Its strong industrial, commercial and tourist tradition, outstanding scenery and high quality natural environment which lends itself to a town with great potential. Recent years have seen significant developments with regard to retail space, commercial and tourist development and and cultural events including the Buncrana Music and Arts Festival. There is also a high standard of accommodation available.

Interesting facts
Buncrana is located on the banks of Lough Swilly, which translates, from the Gaelic into the very appropriate Lake of Shadows.

The importance of Lough Swilly to Buncrana during World War One became evident when Admiral Jellicoe moved his British grand fleet HQ from Scapa Flow to Lough Swilly.

The Clan O’Dochertaigh has had a long affiliation with this town and the historic O’Dochertaigh’s Keep still stands near the lovely walk towards Fr. Hegarty’s Rock.

Amazing Grace
Lough Swilly has a rich and varied history - it is where John Newton was inspired to write the world-famous hymn Amazing Grace after being saved from a severe storm on April 8th 1748.

Wolfe Tone
Also nearby is the spot where Wolf Tone was taken ashore following his capture on board a French warship during the 1798 rebellion.

History

North of Buncrana, an old six-arched bridge spanning the Crana River leads to the O'Doherty's Keep. In 1601 the O'Doherty's Keep was described as being a small, two story castle, inhabited by Conor McGarret O'Doherty. In 1602 it was upgraded by Hugh Boy O'Doherty as an intended base for Spanish military aid that hoped to land at Inch.

In 1718, Buncrana Castle was built by George Vaughan, it was one of the first big houses built in Inishowen, and stone was taken from O'Doherty's Keep to build it. It was erected on the original site of Buncrana, which had grown up in the shadow of the keep, Vaughan moved the town to its present location, where he founded the current main street and built the Castle Bridge (a six-arched stone single lane bridge) in 1718. Wolfe Tone was held there when captured after the British French naval battle off the coast of Donegal, before being taken to Derry and then subsequently to Dublin . The castle remains as a private home today. In the forecourt there is a memorial rock in honour of Sir Cahir O'Doherty and a plaque to Wolfe Tone.