Brief History of Letterkenny

Letterkenny is the largest town in County Donegal and one of the fastest-growing towns in Europe, with a population of around 20,000 people. Its name is thought to derive from Leitir Ceanainn — either meaning “the fair-headed hillside” or referring to the hillside territory of the O’Cannons, whose medieval stronghold was located near Conwal, just outside the town.

Early Chieftains and Origins

The O’Cannons were among the last ancient chieftains of Tír Conaill, the territory now known as Donegal. The clan’s rule ended in 1248 when the last chieftain, Rory O’Cannon, was killed by Godfrey O’Donnell, during a long period of regional power struggles between the O’Cannons, O’Donnells and O’Neills.

Plantation and the Development of the Town

Letterkenny began to take shape during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, when Scottish Captain Patrick Crawford was granted 1,000 acres. After his death, his widow married Sir George Maybury, who built a plantation house by Lough Swilly and established a market town of fifty thatched houses. By 1657, Letterkenny hosted a weekly market and two annual fairs, and prosperity followed throughout the 17th and 18th centuries with plantation houses, mills and a growing port.

Over time, Letterkenny grew from a small hamlet into the main commercial and industrial centre of Donegal.

Historic Features and Notable Sites

Market Square Hiring Fairs

Until the 1950s, twice-yearly hiring fairs took place in the Market Square, where adults and children — some as young as eight — were hired for seasonal farm labour in the Lagan Valley.

Mount Southwell Terrace

Built in 1837 by Lord Southwell, this row of red-brick buildings overlooks the Market Square. The nearby "Castle Garden" is believed to be the source of the name Castle Street.

Bank of Ireland Building

Constructed in 1874 for the Hibernian Bank, this striking Gothic-style building features granite columns, sandstone trim and decorative stonework —described as “local rogue architecture.”

Historic Institutions and Buildings

Donegal County Museum

Originally built as a Workhouse in 1845, the building later served as a fever hospital, maternity unit, municipal offices, and library before becoming the Donegal County Museum in 1987.

St.Conals Hospital

St. Eunans Cathedral

Construction began in 1890 on this impressive Catholic cathedral designed by William Hague. Built from Mountcharles stone, it features Roman ceilings, Munich stained glass, and carvings depicting the lives of Saints Eunan and Colmcille. It was dedicated in 1901 and its steeple rises 212ft.

Church of Ireland, Cathedral Square

Dating to the 17th century, this church stands opposite the cathedral and contains historic chalice and paten gifts from 1744. A nearby obelisk commemorates Rev. Dr. John Kinnear, MP for Donegal from 1880 to 1885.

Trinity Presbyterian Church

Located on the site of earlier Presbyterian churches, the congregation dates back to 1640.

St. Eunans College

Built between 1904 and 1906, the College began as a boarding school and seminary. Over the decades, additional wings and facilities were added until the boarding wing closed in 1992.

Loreto Convent

Founded in 1854 at the request of Bishop Patrick McGettigan, the school expanded several times before ceasing boarding in 1978.

Conwal

The Railways of Letterkenny

Rail Transport played an important role in Letterkenny's growth

• The Letterkenny Railway opened in 1883 and later connected to Burtonport.

• The County Donegal Railway began with the Finn Valley line in 1863 and later became notable as one of the first railways in Ireland or Britain to use diesel railcars in 1903.

Both railways had stations in Letterkenny until closures between 1940 and 1959. Road transport continued until Bus Éireann assumed operations in 1971.

The Station House Hotel Site

The Station House Hotel now occupies the former Oldtown Station grounds. Purchased by the Gallagher family in 1953, the station became their home until 2001, when it was redeveloped into a modern hotel with 81 bedrooms, the Depot Bar & Restaurant, and conference facilities.