Donegal Town is situated at the point where the River Eske flows into Donegal Bay. Today this bustling small town is still very popular with tourists and is an ideal base from which to explore the south and west of the county. Donegal Town was the seat of the O'Donnells until the 17th century. The remains of their stronghold Donegal Castle has been recently restored and is well worth a visit. Situated in the centre of the town the Castle was built by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th Century. Rebuilt in the Jacobean style in the 16th Century after its former owner Hugh O'Donnell burnt it to the ground rather than see it fall into enemy hands. Also to be found in Donegal Town are the ruins of Donegal Abbey founded in 1474 by the wife of Red Hugh O'Donnell. It was here that the Franciscans began the compilation of the Annals of the Four Masters a vast history of Ireland extending back to the time of Noah's Grandmother. Highly recommended is the Donegal Bay Waterbus Tour which takes approximately 90 minutes and offers spectacular coastal views of Donegal Bay and surrounding Islands.
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