The Lost Fortress of Killybegs
Set just above the harbour within the St. Catherine’s Heritage Zone, Kit’s Castle dates back to 1355, when it was built as the residence of Bishop Pádraig Mac Maonghaill, who served the diocese of Killybegs until his death in 1367. Once a proud three-storey stone structure with its entrance facing west, the castle stood as a powerful symbol of ecclesiastical authority and local resilience.
One of the most notable figures to reside at Kit’s Castle was Bishop Dónal Mag Congail (anglicised as Donald McGonagle), who passed away in 1589. He was among only three Irish representatives to attend the final sessions of the historic Council of Trent, a major event in the Counter-Reformation.
The last known resident was Bishop Niall Ó Baoighill (Niall O’Boyle), a fierce opponent of the British invasion during the turbulent years leading up to and following the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. Following the Irish defeat, he fled the castle and died in 1611. The building has stood empty ever since and gradually fell into ruin.
Today, only a fragment of the northwest wall remains visible, largely overgrown by vegetation—a quiet but powerful reminder of Killybegs’ medieval legacy.
