Donegal Castle
principal historic seat of the O'Donnells of Tyrconnell, and its renovation, enjoyed by direct descendants, visiting.
On the left, Carla:
and the gable window & Jacobean fireplace, c. 1990, before renovation.
On the right, Konstantin:
and the gable window & Jacobean fireplace twenty years later in 2010, after renovation.
© Francis Martin O'Donnell, 2020
Above: engraving of a variant of O'Donnell heraldic arms on an antique cabinet.
Above left panel: Saint Ita and Saint Brendan (1924/4), with waves lapping at their feet, by Michael Healy RHA (1873-1941). It portrays St. Brendan the Navigator as a child; he was baptized at her well, Tobair Ide or Tubrid, ancestral townland of the O’Donnells of Ardfert. Right panel: ColmCille (Saint Columba), holding a plume and manuscript book, alluding to the Cathach, the psalter which became the battle-book of the O’Donnells of Tyrconnell. Central panel: The Mother of Sorrows (1926) by Harry Clarke (1889-1931). At the centre of this composition, the Blessed Virgin Mary, framed by a mandorla, holds the lifeless body of Jesus Christ. Flanking this pietà are Saint Francis of Assisi, with birds fluttering around him, and Saint Catherine of Genoa, one of whose visions had featured the dead Christ in the arms of his mother. The base includes a stanza from the Stabat Mater: “Christe, cum sit hinc exire da per matrem me venire ad palmam victoriae”
Under personal photography license of the © National Gallery of Ireland. (Not for commercial use)
The Tyrconnell Heritage
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Welcome to this website on the heritage of the O'Donnells of Tyrconnell and their continuing efforts to preserve and promote the lineage of the last ruling family of Kings & Princes of Tyrconnell including the descendant branches of their dynasty and their re-discovered but sadly extinct branch, the O'Donnell Counts in France. Find here the relevant references to the book The O'Donnells of Tyrconnell - A Hidden Legacy, as well as various sound & sight elements of their historic monumental and intangible cultural heritage, from castles, lands, and art to heraldry, poetry, and various publications.
The O'Donnell Clan Revival
History & Prognosis -
See article below published by the
DONEGAL CASTLE:
above: from a 19th century engraving by Creswick and Radcliffe, c. 1850.
below: as it stands today, 2019, partially renovated.
Above: La Maison Rouge, the château in Villiers-sur-Orge just south of Paris, France once occupied by Count Jean Louis Barthélemy O'Donnell and his family in the early 19th century (1820-1826). It had been rebuilt in 1808, having been neglected for some years after the fall of Mme. Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse du Barry, who purchased it in 1772. She was the last mistress of King Louis XV of France, and lost her head in the Revolution, being executed on 8 December 1793 by guillotine at the Place de la Révolution, now known as Place de la Concorde.
Gaelic Nobles c. 1575.
© Francis Martin O'DONNELL, 2024. All rights reserved
Learn about the heritage:
The O'Donnells of Tyrconnell
Click the Heritage icon
See the comment on book as reviewed
by Kenneth Ferguson,
Military History Society of Ireland
Learn about
The O'Donnell Clan:
click the Clan Association icon
Memorialising Emigré Dignity
Historic Commemoration
with Irish College in Leuven:
Above: two views of Lough Eske Castle, built on the ruins of an old O'Donnell Castle on the shore of Lough Eske, Co. Donegal. Recently renovated after many years of ruin, it is now one of Ireland's top hotels.
Summary of Lectures & Articles; Conferences & Seminars; Books & Reviews; Historic Commemorative Webinar