Sitting on the banks of the River Crana near Lough Swilly adjacent Swan Park and the Castle Bridge stands the remains of a former 14th century Norman Castle - O’Doherty’s Keep.

'The Keep' is such an important part of local and national history, and is synonymous with the name 'O'Doherty' in all of it's variations, worldwide. From Donegal to New York, from London to Guatemala, our ancestry has spanned the globe from the humble beginnings of Donegal, and the Keep. Built by the Norman's and occupied by Sir Cahir O'Dochartaigh, 'The Keep' is the link connecting Buncrana to the O'Doherty's around the world.

Now is the time to preserve our history, our legacy, and also our future!

We are currently engaged with the National Monuments Service, the Office of Public Works, Failte Ireland, Donegal County Council and the Inishowen Development Partnership to complete a feasibility study. This study will include inputs from Conservation Architect, Archaeologist, Laser Scan Specialists, Structural Engineer and Quantity Surveyor combined to produce the Conservation Plan which will inform how best to preserve the building into the future and provide future proposals for development as a cultural heritage attraction.

Your donation will go directly towards the necessary funding to complete the Stage 1 Feasibility Study this year which will take 4-5 months to complete and will result in a comprehensive conservation plan to be submitted for state approval in respect of a full restoration of the Keep and surrounding site as a heritage focal point for local people, tourists and the diaspora alike.

The total cost of the Feasibility Study is approximately €50,000

For further information, and to keep up to date with our progress, please visit www.odohertyskeep.com