Sheephaven Bay

Sheephaven Bay (Irish: Cuan na gCaorach) is a broad, shallow inlet on the north coast of County Donegal in Ulster, Ireland.[1] Bounded by the peninsulae of Rosguill, to the east and Horn Head (Irish: Corrán Binne) to the west, the bay is relatively protected from the full force of the Atlantic Ocean, and has supported a vibrant herring fleet.

View of Sheephaven Bay from Dunfanaghy. Horn Head is beyond.
Looking down onto Sheephaven Bay near Marble Hill
Doe Castle on Sheephaven Bay

Etymology

The Irish name Cuan na gCaorach, "Haven of the Sheep", is a neologism, from a mistranslation of Cuan na gCurrach, "The Bay (or Haven) of the Currachs (boats)". When the name was translated to English, the word "ship" (used by monoglot locals for 'boat') was misheard as "sheep".

Doe Castle

Sheephaven Bay is home to Doe Castle, located near Creeslough, which was built in the early 16th century. The castle, which still stands, was a stronghold for the Clan Sweeney (Clan Suibhne) for 200 years.[2]

Settlements around the bay

References
  1. "History of Dunfanaghy - Sheephaven Bay". www.sheephavenbay.com.
  2. "Heritage Ireland - Doe Castle". www.heritageireland.ie. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  3. "Dunfanaghy". www.railwaylodge.com. 2017. Retrieved November 24, 2017.


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