Drumboe Castle facts for kids
Drumboe Castle was an important building located near Stranorlar, a small town in County Donegal, Ireland. It stood in the area known as Ulster. The castle played a role in Irish history for many years.
Castle's Early Days
In 1622, during a time called the Plantation of Ulster, a large estate was sold. This was when many new settlers came to live in Ulster. Sir Ralph Bingley bought the land near Ballybofey. He then built the first Drumboe Castle.
This original castle had four large towers. It was built in a smart spot to guard a crossing point over the River Finn.
After Sir Ralph Bingley passed away, his wife, Lady Jane, and Robert Harrington looked after the castle. Later, in 1641, it was given to Sir William Bazil. He was a very important lawyer, known as the Attorney-General for Ireland. Sir William Bazil died in 1693.
Years later, a descendant named William Basil (who changed his name from Ball to Basil) owned the castle. His daughter, Mary Basil, married Sir Samuel Hayes, 1st Baronet. Because of this marriage, Drumboe Castle became the home of the Hayes family. They lived there from 1789 until 1912.
During the Irish Civil War
Drumboe Castle became very important during the Irish Civil War. It served as the main headquarters for the Irish Free State army in County Donegal.
A sad event happened at the castle on March 14, 1923. Four anti-Treaty fighters had been held prisoner there since January. They were killed after a National Army soldier died in a nearby ambush. This event is a difficult part of the castle's history.
End of the Castle
The main house, which was built in a style called Georgian, was taken down in 1945. Today, only ruins and memories remain of Drumboe Castle.
