Faugher House

Overview

Faugher House dominates the rural skyline a few kilometres east of Dunfanaghy. Sitting on a gentle rise in the barony of Kilmacrennan, close to the summit of Mullaghdoney Hill, the derelict stone house and its surrounding bawn are defined by their steeply-pitched roofline (now collapsed) and massive chimney stacks.

Though roofless, the rubble-stone walls, arched entrance, and remnants of defensive features remain remarkably intact. The site is visible from the public road that runs past a modern farm complex, making it a striking waypoint for history enthusiasts, photographers, and walkers exploring the County Donegal countryside.

Names and Alternative Titles

You may see this site referred to as O’Boyle’s Castle or Wray’s Castle. These names reflect the two principal families associated with the estate: the O’Boyles, who built the original bawn and house in the early 1600s, and the Wray family, who likely rebuilt the main house in the later seventeenth century.

A History of Fortification and Change

The story of Faugher begins in 1611, when Tirlagh Roe O’Boyle received a 2,000-acre grant in the Kilmacrennan barony as part of the Plantation of Ulster. O’Boyle’s family originally hailed from Kiltooris Castle near Portnoo and Narin.

By 1619, O’Boyle had erected what contemporary records described as a “good bawn and a house of lime and stone.” This earliest phase was a defensive enclosure built of rubble stone, featuring rounded battlements and gun-loops along the north-west wall. The house itself was a clay-and-stone structure, 48 feet long by 25 feet wide, surrounded by three stone outbuildings and a timber-thatched dwelling.

The region’s turbulence soon impacted the estate. Following O’Boyle’s involvement in the 1641 rebellion, the lands were forfeited and passed through several hands, including John Stanton and Sir John Stephens.

In 1700, the property was sold to the Wray family, who had already been residing there for roughly three decades. It is highly probable the Wrays rebuilt the house between 1670 and 1700, creating the five-bay, three-storey structure visible today. Architectural details such as the cross-wall plan, angled corner fireplaces, and the four-centred arched entrance are characteristic of late-seventeenth-century Irish domestic architecture.

The house was abandoned by the mid-eighteenth century, shortly after the Wrays constructed a new mansion at nearby Ards. By the time the Taylor & Skinner map was published (1777–83), the site was already marked as “Castle Ruins.” Today, the surviving fabric serves as a rare, largely unaltered example of the transition from fortified medieval dwellings to the more open houses of the eighteenth century.

What to See & Do

Because Faugher House is an unmanaged ruin, the visit is self-guided. There are no guided tours or visitor facilities, allowing you to linger over the stonework and capture atmospheric light filtering through the broken walls.

Key features to look for:

• The Bawn Walls: Walk the perimeter of the rectangular bawn, which measures approximately 34m × 29m internally. The western and southern walls still rise to their original height, crowned with rounded crenellations and pierced by gun-loops.
• The Entrance: On the south-west side, look for the stop-chamfered jamb and stone reveals of a four-centred arch, complete with a draw-bar socket.
• Chimney Stacks & Fireplaces: Examine the massive chimney stacks at the north-west and south-east gable ends. Inside the ruins, you can trace the outlines of angled corner fireplaces and a brick-lined oven that once served the basement kitchen.
• Defensive Porch: The ruinous remains of a defensive porch on the south-west elevation hint at the house’s fortified origins.
• Architectural Details: Note the irregularly-spaced square-headed windows with stone voussoirs, the partially lime-roughcast walls, and the raised interior ground level within the bawn.
• Landscape Views: From the raised interior of the bawn, you can enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding farmland, the nearby Portnablagh Pier, and the distant Atlantic coastline.

Photography Tips: The ruin’s dramatic silhouette is especially striking at sunrise and sunset, when low light accentuates the rough-cast walls and chimney stacks. Winter’s muted light also creates atmospheric shots.

Visiting Tips & Practical Information

• Access: The ruin lies on the “Middle Road,” a side-road off the N56 that runs between Dunfanaghy and Breaghy Head. Follow signs for the farm at Faugher.
• Parking: A small lay-by beside the modern farm buildings provides limited parking. It can fill quickly in summer, so arrive early.
• Viewing Point: There is no official public right of way onto the bawn. A short unpaved path from the lay-by brings you to the visible perimeter of the ruins. Stay on the path and respect the privately-owned land.
• Opening Hours: The site is not officially open to the public and has no set opening times. It can be viewed from the lay-by at any time, weather permitting.
• Footwear: The ground is uneven and includes sections of loose stone; sturdy footwear is advisable.
• Accessibility: The terrain is uneven and not wheelchair-friendly.
• Facilities: No toilets, café, or visitor centre are available on-site.
• Pets: Dogs are permitted provided they remain on the path and under control.
• Families: The site is safe for children to explore, but supervise them on the uneven ground.

Nearby Attractions

• Ards Forest Park: A short drive north brings you to this coastal woodland, ideal for walking trails, bird-watching, and picnics. The park’s network of paths can be combined with a walk to Faugher House for a varied half-day outing.
• Grianán of Aileach: The iconic stone fort sits a few kilometres north-west and offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
• Portnablagh Pier and Sheephaven Bay: The harbour and its sheltered beaches are perfect for a seaside stroll or a bite to eat at the local cafés.
• Ballymastocker Bay: For those willing to venture a little further, this Blue Flag beach is renowned for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.
• Breaghy Head: A coastal headland offering rugged walks and Atlantic views, easily accessible from the same N56 corridor.

Further reading: For an in-depth architectural analysis, consult the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage entry linked below, which provides detailed measurements, construction phases, and historical context.

View the official heritage record