Donegal

Categories: Towns in Donegal

For other uses, see Donegal (disambiguation)
Donegal
Dún na nGall

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Map
Town population: 2,453 (2002)
Rural population: 3,724 (2002)
Elevation: 23m
County: Donegal
Province: Ulster

Donegal (Dún na nGall in Irish) is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. Despite being its namesake - Donegal town is not the county town (capital) of County Donegal, that being the town of Lifford while Letterkenny is the largest town. The town itself is famous for being the former home to the O'Donnell clan, who played a pivotal role in Irish History. From the 15th to the 17th century, they provided the main opposition to the colonisation of Ireland by England. The town itself contains a castle and the remains of a Franciscan abbey which date back to the 15th century. The annals of the four masters are traditionally thought to have been started in the abbey in the early 17th century. The story of Red Hugh O'Donnell, Lord of Tyrconnel, was the inspiration behind many books and films, not least, Disney's 'The Prince of Donegal'.

Image:Donegaltown.jpg
Part of the Diamond in Donegal
The town is very popular during the Summer months, and is a gateway to the southern part of County Donegal. It is situated at the mouth of Donegal bay and is overshadowed by a range of mountains called the Bluestacks. The town has been bypassed by the N15 and N56 roads. Donegal is a busy town with many hotels catering for visitors although it suffers from a lack of social amenities for its local population. Many have to travel to nearby towns such as Ballyshannon or Letterkenny for facilities like public swimming pools, cinemas and large shopping centres. In 2005 it was announced that the town's largest employer, the U.S company Hospira, were closing down with the loss of 560 jobs. This was a huge blow to the town and it is estimated that it will cost the local economy 30m Euro.

The town is home to the regional newspaper Donegal Democrat [1] and the more local newspaper The Donegal Times [2]. Ocean FM, an independent regional radio station, has a studio in the town.

See also: List of towns in the Republic of Irelandga:Dún na nGall

it:Donegal Town pl:Donegal (miasto)