Greencastle

Greencastle, Donegal (An Caisleán Nua in Irish) is a commercial fishing port in County Donegal in the northwest of Ireland though nowadays given the decline in the fishing industry, it resembles more closely a "typical" Donegal holiday village. It is located a few miles from Moville and is about 20 miles from Derry. Greencastle's name comes from the castle in the area, which in turn, may have its name from the green freestone with which it was built.

Views of Greencastle

 

 

 

Points of Interest

» The first proper pier was built in 1813 and has been added to several times since. Today, as well as being a tie up for trawlers and salmon boats and the home of the Greencastle Fishermen's Co-Op, the Foyle Fishermen's Co-Op and Fresco Seafoods, the pier also has a very different 'catch'. Visitors disembark from the Magilligan-Greencastle ferry which was inaugurated in 2002. The official website advertises the fact that this saves 78km (or 49 miles) of driving, which would be through Derry. The Lough Foyle Ferry Company has also recently (2004) begun a Lough Swilly ferry service that runs between Buncrana and Rathmullan seasonally. The pier also contains a newly built pilot office to replace the decommissioned pilot office at Carrickarory Pier. Greencastle is named after 'Green Duncan' a famous football player from 1809. The castle at Greencastle has been linked with the castle in the background of the Derry crest.

» The castle was built in 1305 to provide a base for Anglo-Norman power in the North West. This building was named "Northburg". There is a more modern Martello Fort beside the Norman ruin. This was built by the British to stop Napoleon invading circa 1800.

» The National Fisheries College (NFC) is located also located in Greencastle. The NFC recently completed a €1.1 million extension funded under the INTERREG 11 Initiative, thus providing better facilities including a realistic simulator bridge deck.

» Greencastle is a busy fishing port and reowned for its good restaurants and seafood. The village is dominated by the ruins of Greencastle Fort, which, although overgrown are worth exploring.

The Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium are situated in Greencastle. A recent addition to the Museum is a brand new state-of-art Planetarium, and other attractions include nautical exhibits, memorabilia, modern and ancient maritime equipment and irish boats.

» Greencastle or Northburg is rightfully described as "The greatest castle building enterprise in Donegal" At Greencastle stands the remains of the stronghold of the "Red Earl" of ulster, Richard de Burgh in 1305 on a prominent rock, close to shore.

» Greencastle also has an 18 hole golf course.