Members of the Donegal GAP Heritage and History Group have been praised for an impressive presentation made to Glenties MD councillors today.
The group provided members with insight on the work they have been doing towards the preservation of Doon Fort, near Portnoo, over the last 7 years.
Doon Fort is a large drystone fort, thought to be the residence of the O’Boyle Chieftains. The exact date of the construction of the fort is unknown and it may date from the late Iron Age to Early Medieval times. It is situated on a small island in the middle of Loughadoon, just outside of Ardara.
Stunning Doon Fort
Led by archaeologist Paula Harvey, the community group, Donegal GAP Heritage and History Group, was established in January 2016 with the aim of helping to preserve the future of Doon Fort in conjunction with Josie McHugh, the landowner. Since becoming part of the Adopt A Monument Scheme, the group have worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the site and the area.
In 2021 the Community Monuments Fund Department supported the essential assessments and preparatory works required for repair of a section of the cashel wall.
Additional support through the Community Monuments Fund was secured in 2022.
Speaking after today’s presentation, Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig said: “This significant monument is the only one of its class in Ireland, known as Western Stone Fort. Its uniqueness is that it is situated on an island in the middle of a lake.
“I fully support the Doon Fort Project and everyone involved in it. I look forward to working closely with the Group and the local community in their objective ‘bring the monument from the periphery into the heart of the community’ for future generations to come.”
The public is being advised that there is currently no access to Doon Fort as it is a construction/ conservation site.
