# Castlefinn, Co. Donegal: townland, land parcels and planning Townland in the civil parish of Donaghmore, barony of Raphoe South, Co. Donegal; in Irish Caisleán na Finne. - Area (Tailte Éireann): 615,041 m² (61.5 ha, 151.98 acres) - Land parcels (Tailte Éireann): 72 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in it, median 803 m² - Zoning (national zoning, MyPlan): not in a zoned settlement - Planning (National Planning Applications): 20 applications since 2010 - Civil parish: Donaghmore, https://everytownland.com/donegal/parish/donaghmore.md - Barony: Raphoe South - Electoral division: Castlefinn, the unit of the census - Census 2022 (Central Statistics Office): 1,252 people lived in 488 households in the Castlefinn electoral division. 67% of households owned their home. 24% of homes were built since 2001. 9% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 1% were holiday homes. - County: Co. Donegal, https://everytownland.com/donegal.md - Placenames Database of Ireland: https://www.logainm.ie/en/16131 - Townland number at Tailte Éireann: 50578 - Centre: latitude 54.80083, longitude -7.586611 (WGS 84) ## Land parcels (registered freehold land, Tailte Éireann) 72 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Castlefinn, from 39 m² to 28,703 m² (2.87 ha, 7.09 acres); 30 neighbouring parcels touch its boundary. Largest first: - Parcel 1340065: 28,703 m² (2.87 ha, 7.09 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1340065.md - Parcel 5018135: 23,077 m² (2.31 ha, 5.7 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5018135.md - Parcel 1330213: 21,688 m² (2.17 ha, 5.36 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1330213.md - Parcel 1362761: 16,138 m² (1.61 ha, 3.99 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1362761.md - Parcel 4888083: 7,327 m² (0.73 ha, 1.81 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/4888083.md - Parcel 1427398: 3,553 m² (0.36 ha, 0.88 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1427398.md - Parcel 1395009: 2,879 m² (0.29 ha, 0.71 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1395009.md - Parcel 1349388: 2,687 m² (0.27 ha, 0.66 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1349388.md - Parcel 1362045: 2,478 m² (0.25 ha, 0.61 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1362045.md - Parcel 1421680: 2,462 m² (0.25 ha, 0.61 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1421680.md - Parcel 1354895: 2,264 m² (0.23 ha, 0.56 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1354895.md - Parcel 2721184: 2,241 m² (0.22 ha, 0.55 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/2721184.md - Parcel 1317189: 2,223 m² (0.22 ha, 0.55 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1317189.md - Parcel 5282799: 2,191 m² (0.22 ha, 0.54 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5282799.md - Parcel 1380465: 1,885 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1380465.md - Parcel 1366880: 1,759 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1366880.md - Parcel 4899295: 1,746 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/4899295.md - Parcel 1350305: 1,688 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1350305.md - Parcel 1318203: 1,637 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1318203.md - Parcel 1333761: 1,628 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1333761.md - Parcel 1365060: 1,624 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1365060.md - Parcel 5655413: 1,566 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5655413.md - Parcel 1352903: 1,497 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1352903.md - Parcel 5946857: 1,399 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5946857.md - Parcel 1378606: 1,340 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1378606.md - Parcel 1323431: 1,283 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1323431.md - Parcel 1345508: 1,281 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1345508.md - Parcel 5378523: 1,225 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5378523.md - Parcel 5105805: 1,071 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5105805.md - Parcel 4888107: 1,043 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/4888107.md - Parcel 1376578: 992 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1376578.md - Parcel 1313772: 953 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1313772.md - Parcel 5137121: 950 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5137121.md - Parcel 1305280: 887 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1305280.md - Parcel 1308673: 852 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1308673.md - Parcel 5953707: 812 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5953707.md - Parcel 1307364: 793 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1307364.md - Parcel 1393050: 774 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1393050.md - Parcel 1340560: 727 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1340560.md - Parcel 1392027: 713 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1392027.md - Parcel 1400149: 464 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1400149.md - Parcel 1338438: 448 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1338438.md - Parcel 5160932: 355 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5160932.md - Parcel 4166149: 324 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/4166149.md - Parcel 5438870: 313 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5438870.md - Parcel 1316839: 302 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1316839.md - Parcel 4880098: 285 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/4880098.md - Parcel 1374942: 282 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1374942.md - Parcel 1402528: 279 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1402528.md - Parcel 5285166: 251 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5285166.md - Parcel 4880090: 238 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/4880090.md - Parcel 1309067: 226 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1309067.md - Parcel 1346967: 225 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1346967.md - Parcel 1355321: 217 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1355321.md - Parcel 4707702: 216 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/4707702.md - Parcel 5260436: 197 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5260436.md - Parcel 3126864: 187 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/3126864.md - Parcel 5679422: 184 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5679422.md - Parcel 1372982: 177 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1372982.md - Parcel 5753820: 173 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5753820.md - Parcel 1407657: 168 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1407657.md - Parcel 1426590: 160 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1426590.md - Parcel 5395308: 135 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5395308.md - Parcel 4741170: 133 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/4741170.md - Parcel 6054278: 115 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/6054278.md - Parcel 1358542: 109 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1358542.md - Parcel 1355995: 92 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1355995.md - Parcel 1371997: 91 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1371997.md - Parcel 4880089: 82 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/4880089.md - Parcel 1311446: 67 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1311446.md - Parcel 1347469: 42 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1347469.md - Parcel 1313317: 39 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1313317.md ## Zoning (national zoning of development plans, MyPlan) No zone of a development plan covers Castlefinn in the national zoning. Outside zoned towns and villages, the county development plan's rural policies apply to each application. ## Planning applications whose site touches the townland (National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) 20 applications, newest first. - 5 May 2026, Donegal County Council 2660797: Conditional. Permission. DEVELOPMENT OF A DETACHED STRUCTURE PROVIDING FOR A PURPOSE-BUILT PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO TO THE SOUTHWESTERN SIDE OF THE EXISTING CPI CENTRE BUILDING, CONNECTION TO MAINS SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2660797/0 - 2 May 2025, Donegal County Council 2560693: N/a. Permission, 13 homes. (1) DEMOLITION OF 2 NO. UNINHABITABLE DWELLING HOUSES, (2) CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CONTAINING 13 NO. RESIDENTIAL DWELLING HOUSES AND 4 NO. APARTMENTS, (3) DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERNAL ACCESS ROADWAY, CAR PARKING AREAS, PEDESTRIAN FOOTPATHS, OPEN SPACE AND BOUNDARY TREATMENTS AND (4) CONNECTION TO ALL MAIN SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2560693/0 - 16 Sept 2024, Donegal County Council 2461447: Conditional. Permission, 4 homes. CONSTRUCTION OF 4 NO. TWO-STOREY DWELLINGS WITH CONNECTION TO PUBLIC SEWER AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF F93 RCS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2461447/0 - 22 Apr 2024, Donegal County Council 2460555: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. CONVERSION AND CHANGE OF USE FROM CHURCH BUILDING TO USE AS A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING HOUSE INCLUDING ALL ANCILLARY AND ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. THIS PROPOSAL WILL REQUIRE THE CARRYING OUT OF WORKS TO A PROTECTED STRUCTURE; CASTLEFINN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH RPS, REGISTRATION NUMBER 40840031. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2460555/0 - 26 Mar 2024, Donegal County Council 2460396: Conditional. Permission. ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSION TO EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2460396/0 - 6 Jul 2023, Donegal County Council 2350982: Conditional. Permission. CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO STOREY EXTENSION CONSISTING OF A GROUND FLOOR EXTENSION TO EXISTING PHARMACY AND CRECHE ACCOMMODATION AT FIRST FLOOR LEVEL AT EXISTING COMMUNITY CENTRE. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2350982/0 - 22 Jun 2023, Donegal County Council 2350889: N/a. Permission. CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO STOREY EXTENSION CONSISTING OF A GROUND FLOOR EXTENSION TO EXISTING PHARMACY AND CRECHE ACCOMMODATION AT FIRST FLOOR LEVEL OF EXISTING COMMUNITY CENTRE. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2350889/0 - 21 Dec 2022, Donegal County Council 2252055: Conditional. Permission, 2 homes. CONSTRUCTION OF 2 NO. TWO STOREY DWELLINGS WITH CONNECTION TO PUBLIC SEWER AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2252055/0 - 8 Apr 2022, Donegal County Council 2250609: Conditional. Retention. CHANGE OF USE FROM RETAIL UNITS APPROVED UNDER PLANNING REFERENCE NO. 05/9032 TO CRECHE FACILITIES AT EXISTING COMMUNITY CENTRE. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2250609/0 - 30 Mar 2022, Donegal County Council 2250542: Conditional. Permission. (1) DEMOLITION OF A SMALL ANNEX TO THE REAR OF OUR EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE (2) CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EXTENSION WITH ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2250542/0 - 19 Jan 2022, Donegal County Council 2250042: Conditional. Permission. (1) PARTIAL DEMOLITION, (2) PROPOSED ALTERATIONS AND (3) ERECTION OF AN EXTENSION TO AN EXISTING DWELLING AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2250042/0 - 23 Dec 2021, Donegal County Council 2152630: Conditional. Permission. CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION TO EXISTING PHARMACY UNIT. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2152630/0 - 15 Jul 2020, Donegal County Council 2050942: Refused. Permission. CONSTRUCTION OF A 21 METRE MULTI-USER TELECOMMUNICATIONS STUCTURE, CARRYING ANTENNA AND DISHES TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED GROUND EQUIPMENT AND ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2050942/0 - 24 May 2020, Donegal County Council 2050567: Conditional. Permission. CONSTRUCTION OF A MIXED USE AGRICULTURAL SHED CONTAINING (A) HOUSING FOR ANIMALS AND HANDLING FACILITIES (B) STORAGE FOR ANIMAL MEAL, FODDER ETC (C) AREA FOR PARKING OF FARM VEHICLES AND MACHINERY AND ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/2050567/0 - 18 Dec 2019, Donegal County Council 1951988: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. ERECTION OF 2 NUMBER AIRE DE SERVICE UNITS TO FACILITATE TOURING CARAVANS AND A PICNIC/SEATING AREA, INSTALLATION OF A WASTEWATER PUMPING STATION AND ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/1951988/0 - 6 Jun 2018, Donegal County Council 1850898: Conditional. Permission. (A) DEMOLITION OF TWO STOREY EXTENSION TO THE REAR OF EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO STOREY EXTENSION, INTERNAL ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING FLOOR LAYOUT AND PROVISION FOR A ROOFED CAR PORT AND (B) DEVELOPMENT OF A PITCHED ROOF OVER EXISTING ATTACHED GARAGE AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/1850898/0 - 24 Jan 2018, Donegal County Council 1850088: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. CONSTRUCTION OF A DWELLING HOUSE, DETACHED DOMESTIC GARAGE, CONNECTION TO PUBLIC MAIN SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/1850088/0 - 27 Jul 2017, Donegal County Council 1751207: Conditional. Permission. ERECTION OF A DETACHED SHED FOR CAR VALETING AND LIGHT REPAIR WORKS AND ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/1751207/0 - 17 Feb 2017, Donegal County Council 1750223: Conditional. Permission. CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING 3 STOREY BUILDING AND FORMER SHOP INCLUDING PERMISSION TO DEVELOP THE ATTIC LEVEL OF THE BUILDING INTO THE FOLLOWING PROPOSED USES; (1) GROUND FLOOR; FROM RETAIL SHOP USE TO A LICENSED RESTAURANT/CAFÉ (2) FIRST FLOOR; FROM RETAIL SHOP USE TO 2 NUMBER 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND (3) SECOND FLOOR; FROM RETAIL SHOP USE, TOGETHER WITH EXISTING ATTIC LEVEL TO PROVIDE 1 NUMBER 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT OVER 2 FLOORS. PROPOSED WORKS TO INCLUDE PERMISSION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW STAIRWELL TO THE REAR OF EXISTING STRUCTURE TO ACCESS ALL FLOORS, A ROOF DORMER TO EXISTING REAR PITCHED ROOF, A COMMUNAL BALCONY/OUTDOOR SPACE, GROUND FLOOR BIN STORAGE PROVISION AND ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. THIS PROPOSAL WILL REQUIRE THE CARRYING OUT OF WORKS TO PROTECTED STRUCTURE REG. NO. 40801006. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/1750223/0 - 10 Feb 2017, Donegal County Council 1750183: N/a. Permission. CHANGE THE USE OF EXISTING 3 STOREY BUILDING AND FORMER SHOP INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF THE ATTIC LEVEL OF THE BUILDING INTO THE FOLLOWING PROPOSED USES; (1) GROUND FLOOR, FROM RETAIL SHOP USE TO A LICENSED RESTAURANT/CAFE (2) FIRST FLOOR; FROM RETAIL SHOP USE TO 2 NUMBER 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND (3) SECOND FLOOR; FROM RETAIL SHOP USE TOGETHER WITH EXISTING ATTIC LEVEL TO PROVIDE 1 NUMBER 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT OVER 2 FLOORS. CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW STAIRWELL TO THE REAR OF EXISTING STRUCTURE TO ACCESS ALL FLOORS, A ROOF DORMER TO EXISTING REAR PITCHED ROOF, A COMMUNAL BALCONY/ OUTDOOR SPACE, GROUND FLOOR BIN STORAGE PROVISION AND ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS. THIS PROPOSED WILL REQUIRE THE CARRYING OUT OF WORKS TO PROTECTED STRUCTURE REG NO. 40801006. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/DonegalCC/AppFileRefDetails/1750183/0 Applicants are not shown. ## Designated sites (National Parks and Wildlife Service) - Special Area of Conservation: River Finn SAC, site code 002301, https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/sac/002301 ## Recorded monuments (Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service) - DG079-023001: Castle - unclassified, https://heritagedata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0c9eb9575b544081b0d296436d8f60f8&query=18a4b61b268-layer-9%2CSMRS%2CDG079-023001-. This O'Donnell castle undoubtedly served to guard a ford on the River Finn where the present bridge at Castlefinn is located. In the 17th century the medieval castle was refortified by Sir John Kingsmill as part of the Crown plantation of Donegal. The Castle was situated above "Glowering Row‟, the cutting that carried the railway line to Clady (Knox 2003, 31). The plot of ground between the old railway station and the river retains the name, "Castle Garden‟ (Dr. S.P. Kerrigan, 'Castlefinn-at the Base of the Laggan', Donegal Annual, vol. 3, no. 2 (1956), p. 98). In 1434 the castle is at the centre of a feud between Niall O'Donnell and his brother Naghtan who lived at Caislen-na-Finne [Castlefinn]. The Annals of the Four Masters mentioned this dispute when it states that in 1434, 'O'Donnell and O'Neill attacked Naghtan's castle [Castlefinn], namely, Caislen-na-Finne, and continued to besiege it for some time, but were,nevertheless, unable to take it' (O'Donovan 1856, vol. 4, 898-9). In 1480 this dispute between the two families was resolved at Castlefinn when 'O'Donnell held a conference with the sons of Naghtan and Con O'Neill, at Caislen-na-Finne, and they made peace with each other ; and the tanistship of Tirconnell was given to Egneghan O'Donnell' (O'Donovan 1856, vol. 4, 1115). Nial Garbh O'Donnell resided here in 1601 (CSPI 1600-1, 278). In 1622, it was described as 're-edified with good additions to it by Sir John Kingsmill' and had a strong bawn (DG079-023002-) adjoining it (Treadwell 1953-5, 516). In 1630 the house and bawn of Sir John Kingsmill was described as consisting of 'a castle or stone house, 45 feet [13.7m] in length, 36 feet [10.95m] wide, and 32½ feet [9.75m] in height; and a bawn, the walls of which were 12 feet [3.65m] high and 276 feet [84m] in circumference, with flankers each 13 feet [3.95m] square, and 12 [3.5m] high (Hill 1877, 518). A year later in 1631, Sir John Kingsmill was regranted the lands of Castlefinn which were created into the manor of Castlefyn with the power to hold 'a market every Monday, and two fairs at Castlefyn, one on Tuesday and Wednesday after the feast of Pentecost, and the other on St. Martin's Day, in winter, to continue two days' (Hill 1877, 518). The castle at Castlefinn had fallen to ruins by 1654-6 (Simmington 1937, 23). According to the 1836 OS memoirs of Lieutenant Wilkinson who recorded at the time that there was 'no trace of the castle remains, the stones having been used in the construction of the bridge' (Day 1997, 33). Fagan locates the site at the N end of Castlefinn Bridge; no visible trace then survived (OS Hill Drawing Antiquity Bk. 12, 8-9). Material from the demolition of the medieval castle, was used for the construction of the first bridge over the river at the village of Castlefynn, circa 1774 (Knox 2003, 32). The medieval castle was located beside the fording point over the river at Castlefinn and also controlled the ferry crossing at this point. In 1634, the Crown granted a 21 year licence to Robert Hodges, Henry Morewood and James Hornecastle for the ferry crossing at Castlefinn (Calendar of Treasury Books, Vol. 8: 1685-89, 16-20). Day, A. (1997), Ordnance survey memoirs of Ireland, Volume 39. Institute of Irish Studies in association with the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. Knox, I. (2003) The Houses of Stewart from 1500. Unpublished report. Lacey et al. Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century. Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 15 November 2011 - DG079-023002: Bawn, https://heritagedata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0c9eb9575b544081b0d296436d8f60f8&query=18a4b61b268-layer-9%2CSMRS%2CDG079-023002-. Castlefinn (site of) (DG079-023001-): This O'Donnell castle undoubtedly served to guard a ford on the River Finn. Nial Garbh O'Donnell resided here in 1601 (CSPI 1600-1, 278). In 1622, it was described as 're-edified with good additions to it by Sir John Kingsmill' and had a strong bawn (DG079-023002-) adjoining it (Treadwell 1953-5, 516). It had fallen to ruins by 1654-6 (Simmington 1937, 23). In 1618/19 Nicholas Pynnar described the home of Sir John Kingsmill as 'a Bawne of Lime and Stone 100 feet [30.4m] square, with two Flankers, the which are two stories high, with good Lodgings in them, and a very strong stone House three stories high; himself with his Wife and Family dwelling therein. Near to the Bawne is built a Village' (Hill 1877, 518). According to local tradition this 17th century bawn known locally as Kingsmill Bawn was not built on the site of the medieval O'Donnell castle (DG079-023001-) but was located in the centre of the 17th century village of Castlefinn. The modern R.C church dedicated to St. Mary now occupies the site of the 17th century bawn. Kingsmill's bawn was built on the site of the old Manor house where Captain Butler once lived and is now where the New Roman Catholic Church St. Mary's stands. This site was previously owned by Captain Butler and his family home was demolished in the mid 1960's (Knox 2003, 31). The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 15 November 2011 - DG079-046001: Historic town, https://heritagedata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0c9eb9575b544081b0d296436d8f60f8&query=18a4b61b268-layer-9%2CSMRS%2CDG079-046001-. In 1618/19 Nicholas Pynnar recorded that near to the bawn of the house (DG079-023001-) of Sir John Kingsmill 'is built a Village consisting of 30 Houses, being all inhabited with English Families' (Hill 1877, 518). In 1631, Sir John Kingsmill was regranted the lands of Castlefinn which were created into the manor of Castlefyn with the power to hold 'a market every Monday, and two fairs at Castlefyn, one on Tuesday and Wednesday after the feast of Pentecost, and the other on St. Martin's Day (November 11), in winter, to continue two days' (Hill 1877, 518). The OS Memoirs recorded in 1836 that 'There is a market house (DG079-046002-) here built about 230 years, and the number of inhabitants amount to about 700. As usual the proportion of houses licensed to retail whiskey is very great as compared to shops of all other descriptions in the town. There is a weekly market on Mondays, a post office, and the mail to and from Londonderry and Sligo passes daily through the town'. The present village of Castlefinn is built on the footprint of the 17th century plantation village established by Sir John Kingsmill as part of the Crown plantation of Donegal. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision : 15 November 2011 - DG079-046002: Market-house, https://heritagedata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0c9eb9575b544081b0d296436d8f60f8&query=18a4b61b268-layer-9%2CSMRS%2CDG079-046002-. In 1631, Sir John Kingsmill was regranted the lands of Castlefinn which were created into the manor of Castlefyn (DG079-046001-) with the power to hold 'a market every Monday, and two fairs at Castlefyn, one on Tuesday and Wednesday after the feast of Pentecost, and the other on St. Martin's Day (November 11), in winter, to continue two days' (Hill 1877, 518). The OS Memoirs recorded in 1836 that 'There is a market house (DG079-046002-) here built about 230 years, and the number of inhabitants amount to about 700. As usual the proportion of houses licensed to retail whiskey is very great as compared to shops of all other descriptions in the town. There is a weekly market on Mondays, a post office, and the mail to and from Londonderry and Sligo passes daily through the town'. In 1836 the OS memoirs recorded that a 'man named Scott, employed as a spy by King William's army, was taken by King James and hanged over the southern arch of the market house (1688). It was roofed about 20 years since'. A market house is depicted on the first edition of the OS 6-inch map in the centre of the diamond in the village of Castlefinn and this building is indicated on the latest edition of the OS maps. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision : 15 November 2011 Works at or in relation to a recorded monument need two months' written notice to the National Monuments Service (National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, section 12). ## Architectural heritage (National Inventory of Architectural Heritage) - Red House Café/Stitched Up, RIC barracks, garda station/constabulary barracks, 1890–1910, Regional interest, registry number 40840014, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840014. Detached eight-bay two-storey building, built c. 1905, formerly in use as a police barracks, and now in use as commercial premises with accommodation over. Single-bay single-storey ‘dummy’ bay attached to the south-east gable end. Pitched natural slate roof with moulded red brick eaves course, and four moulded red brick chimneystacks (one to either gable end, and two to the centre) having red brick stringcourses and moulded red brick coping over. Red brick walls (English garden bond) walling over chamfered red brick plinth course. Moulded red brick stringcourse to heads of windows at first floor level. Squared-headed window openings with red brick voussoirs, stone sills, and with replacement window fittings; red brick cornice lintels over ground floor window openings. Square-headed door openings to second bay to either end of front elevation having replacement timber panelled doors, overlights, and with red brick cornice lintels over. Central segmental-headed doorway having moulded red brick reveal, stone step to threshold, recessed replacement timber door with replacement sidelights and overlights (now blocked), and with red brick hoodmoulding over with decorative label stops. Road-fronted to the north-west corner of The Diamond, Castlefinn. - House, 1790–1830, Regional interest, registry number 40840018, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840018. Attached mid-terrace five-bay three-storey house, built c. 1810, having central single-bay three-storey return to the rear (north). Possibly formerly in use as a police barracks c. 1850. One of a group of four (originally seven or eight buildings) along with neighbours to the east (see 40840016 - 17) and its neighbour to the west (see 40840019). Pitched artificial slate roof with projecting cut stone eaves course, and with smooth rendered chimneystacks to either gable end. Roughcast rendered walls with smooth rendered block quoins to the corners of the front elevation. Square-headed window openings with replacement windows. Central square-headed doorway to the main elevation having replacement door. Set slightly back from street to the north side of The Diamond, to the centre of Castlefinn, with small enclosed yards to the front having hooped wrought-iron railings, and a pair of hooped wrought-iron gates to doorway. Detached two-storey former coach house and outbuilding to the rear (north) having pitched corrugate metal roof, rubble stone walls, square-headed window openings with brick surrounds, stone sills, and remains of timber sliding sash and replacement timber windows, and with segmental-headed carriage arch having roughly dressed stone voussoirs to arch. Large enclosed garden to the rear having cast-iron vent pipe, and with rubble stone boundary walls to rear of site. - Water pump, 1870–1900, Regional interest, registry number 40840020, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840020. Freestanding cast-iron water pump, erected c. 1885, comprising cylindrical shafted with horizontal banding, domed fluted cap with finial over, fluted spout to the south, and a slender curved ‘cow-tail’ handle to the east. Set on modern stone plinth to the south end of The Diamond, to the centre of Castlefinn, and adjacent to the south of the site of the former market house, now demolished. - Gate lodge, sexton's house, 1860–1890, Regional interest, registry number 40840022, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840022. Detached two-bay single-storey former gate lodge, church warden’s or sexton’s house associated with St. Mary’s Catholic church (see 40840023), built c. 1878, having single-bay single-storey porch attached to the east gable end. Now out of use. Pitched natural slate roofs with projecting rendered eaves course, grey clayware ridge tiles, central smooth rendered chimneystack, and cast-iron rooflight to the south pitch. Smooth rendered ruled-and-lined walls having raised rendered block-and-start quoins to the corners of the front elevation (north). Square-headed window openings, now blocked/boarded, having stone sills and with render hoodmouldings over. Square-headed door opening to the east elevation, and to the north elevation of porch, with replacement timber doors. Located to the north of St. Mary’s Catholic church with front elevation aligned alongside north boundary wall of site, sited adjacent to the main entrance gateway to the east. Site slopes away abruptly to the south. Located to the east of the centre of Castlefinn and to the south of the new Catholic church at Castlefinn. - St. Mary's Catholic Church, church/chapel, 1820–1880, Regional interest, registry number 40840023, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840023. Freestanding double-height former Catholic church on cruciform-plan, built in 1822, altered c. 1860, and rebuilt c. 1878, having two-bay nave elevation, single-bay transepts to the east and west, shallow chancel to the north, and with two-bay single-storey sacristy attached to the west side of chancel. Now out of use since construction of modern Catholic church (see 40840024) to the north. Pitched natural slate roofs with raised render verges to the gable ends, rendered/painted eaves courses, moulded painted kneeler stones to the eaves having gabled faces, cast-iron rainwater goods with decorative hoppers, and with cut stone Celtic cross finials over gable apexes of chancel, transepts, and chancel; stepped smooth rendered and ruled-and-lined chimneystack (on square-plan base rising to octagonal-plan over) to the north gable end of sacristy. Clayware ridge tiles to main body of building with terracotta ridge tiles to sacristy. Smooth rendered ruled-and-lined walls over projecting smooth rendered plinth with raised rendered block-and-start quoins to the corners. Roughcast rendered walls to sacristy with smooth rendered plinth to base, and smooth rendered block-and-start quoins to the corners, and to corners of projecting chimneystack. Paired pointed-arch window openings to side elevations of nave (east and west) and to north side elevation of transept to the east having raised smooth rendered block-and-start surrounds, chamfered reveals, render hoodmouldings over, and with leaded coloured glass windows; paired pointed-arched window openings to gable ends of transepts having quatrefoil opening over, raised smooth rendered block-and-start surrounds, chamfered reveals, render hoodmouldings over, and with leaded coloured glass windows; three graded pointed-arch window openings to chancel gable (north) having raised smooth rendered block-and-start surrounds, chamfered reveals, render hoodmouldings over, and with leaded coloured glass windows with Celtic cross motifs; trifoliated vent opening beneath gable apex to chancel having raised smooth rendered block-and-start surrounds, timber louvers, and with render hoodmoulding over. Paired square-headed window openings to sacristy having raised smooth rendered block-and-start surrounds, roundel vent opening beneath gable apexes to chancels having raised surround, hoodmouldings over, and with timber louvers. Square-headed doorways to the gable ends of transepts and to the south elevation of nave having raised smooth rendered block-and-start surrounds, chamfered reveals, stepped render hoodmouldings over, and with battened timber door having decorative wrought-iron hinges. Short projecting porch to the east elevation of sacristy having square-headed doorway with timber door. Set well back from road in own grounds to the east/south-east of the centre of Castlefinn, and to the south of modern Catholic church (see 40840024). Graveyard to site with mainly upstanding nineteenth and twentieth century gravemarkers. Roughcast rendered boundary walls to site. Gateway to the north, adjacent to former sexton’s or churchwarden’s house (see 40840022) comprising a pair of chamfered ashlar (?) gate piers (on square-plans) having chamfered plinth courses, moulded capstones, and with intricate wrought-iron gates. - Castlefinn Catholic Church, church/chapel, 1970–1980, Regional interest, registry number 40840024, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840024. Freestanding multiple-bay single-storey Catholic church on complex symmetrical plan, built 1978, rising in height from the west to the east, and having staggered step-like walls to east elevation. Hipped pyramidal pantile roof with projecting roofline, clayware spinal ridge-tiles, and with cross finial to east elevation. Roughcast rendered walls with smooth-rendered plinth. Square-headed window openings, some recessed, with full-height vertically emphasised windows to east elevation having leaded coloured glass. Square-headed door opening with contemporary glazed timber double-doors having acid etched glass panels and with sidelight. Timber pews and glazed brick lectern to interior. Setback from road in own grounds to the north-east of the centre of Castlefinn, and to the north of earlier Catholic church (see 40840023). Carpark to site and single-storey parochial house to the west. Rendered boundary walls to site. Bronze sculpture depicting crucifixion scene to site, bell metal bell to south. - Castlefinn Railway Station, station master's house, worker's house, 1860–1870, Regional interest, registry number 40840027, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840027. Semi-detached three-bay single-storey former railway workers or former railway station master's house associated with the former Castlefinn Railway Station (see 408400028) to the east, built c. 1863. Now out of use and derelict. Pitched natural slate roof with terracotta ridge cresting, central cut stone chimneystack, raised render verge to the east end, and surviving sections of cast-iron rainwater goods. Dressed ashlar stone walling over chamfered cut stone plinth and rubble stone footing/foundation with rusticated projecting cut stone block-and-start ashlar quoins to the corners at the west end. Segmental-headed window openings with ashlar block-and-start surrounds, stone sills, and remains of two-over-two pane timber sliding sash windows. Wrought-iron security bars to some openings. Segmental-headed door opening to centre of north elevation having ashlar block-and-start surround, timber panelled door with plain overlight. Former railway station or goods shed (see 40840028) adjoining to the east. Set to south side of former Strabane to Stranorlar railway line, tracks now removed. Platform with cut stone kerbing to the north. Located to the south/south-west of the centre of Castlefinn. - Castlefinn Railway Station, railway station, goods shed, 1860–1880, Regional interest, registry number 40840028, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840028. Semi-detached five-bay single storey former railway good’s shed associated with former Castlefinn Railway Station, built c. 1863, having mono-pitched canopy to former railway platform to the north supported on cast-iron columns. Now out of use and dilapidated. Pitched natural slate roof with grey clayware ridge tiles, smooth rendered chimneystack to the east gable end, and having surviving sections of cast-iron rainwater goods. Corrugated metal roof structure to platform canopy, formerly timber, with battened timber weather-boarded lip. Random rubble stone walls, formerly rendered, with tooled ashlar block-and-start quoins to the corners; smooth rendered finish to the east elevation. Square-headed window openings with plain raised ashlar lintels and surrounds, cast-iron multi-pane windows, and ashlar sills; horizontal wrought-iron security bars to some openings. Two square-headed door openings to the north elevation having plain raised ashlar lintels and surrounds, and with battened timber doors and double-doors. Set to south side of former Strabane to Stranorlar railway line, tracks now removed. Platform with cut stone kerbing to the north. Ruinous single-storey rubble stone outbuilding adjacent to the east. Detached single-storey former railway station to the east, now altered (later in use as a house, now unoccupied), having steeply pitched natural slate roof with cut stone chimneystack, roughcast rendered walls, and square-headed openings with replacement fittings. Clockface to the centre of the north elevation having dressed stone surround. Rubble stone boundary walls with soldier coping to site. Located to the south/south-west of the centre of Castlefinn. - Customs station, building misc, 1920–1940, Regional interest, registry number 40840029, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840029. Detached three-bay single-storey former railway building or possible former customs office/station, erected c. 1930. Later in use as a domestic outbuilding. Now disused. Pitched corrugated-metal roof with exposed rafter ends, and with smooth render chimneystack to the centre. Corrugated-metal clad walls over concrete footings. Square-headed window openings with timber sills, and timber casement window frames; now boarded. Square-headed window opening to the west gable end having multi-pane timber casement window. Square-headed door opening with timber battened door. Square-headed carriage-arch to the east elevation, added c. 1970, having battened timber double-doors. Located adjacent to the former Castlefinn Railway Station, and to the south/south-west of the centre of Castlefinn. - Bridge, 1850–1870, Regional interest, registry number 40840030, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840030. Single-arch former railway bridge, built c. 1863, carrying road over the former Strabane to Stranorlar section of the Derry (Victoria Road) to Killybegs railway line. Railway lines now out of use with tracks removed (c. 1960); arch now partially infilled and blocked to the east elevation. Squared and coursed limestone construction to spandrels and parapets. Roughly squared and coursed rubble limestone masonry to parapets with rock-faced granite coping over, and with rock-faced sandstone quoins to the corners. Round-headed arch having rock-faced voussoirs with drafted margins, and with squared stone masonry to arch barrel. Tarmacadam deck. Located to the south of the centre of Castlefinn, and a short distance to the east of the former Castlefinn Railway Station (see 40840027 and 40840028). - Castlefinn Congregational Church, church/chapel, 1855–1885, Regional interest, registry number 40840031, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840031. Freestanding Congregational church, built c. 1875, having four-bay nave, gable-fronted full-height projection/breakfront to the entrance gable (west), and with two-bay single-storey vestry to the rear (east). Pitched natural slate roof with decorative pierced clayware ridge comb, raised cut stone copings to gable ends with kneeler stones to the eaves, and with profiled cast-iron rainwater goods on projecting stone eaves course having decorative wrought-iron brackets to downpipes. Squared rubble stone walls over chamfered plinth course with stepped clasping squared and dressed rubble stone buttresses with feathered cut stone skews between bays to main body of church and with diagonally-set stepped clasping squared and dressed rubble stone buttresses with feathered cut stone skews to the corners of the front elevation. Roundel opening with cut stone surround to entrance gable apex. Flush dressed cut stone quoins to corners of vestry. Pointed-arch window openings with flush chamfered sandstone surrounds, chamfered sills, and with leaded coloured glass quarries. Doorway to the front elevation (west) flanked to either side by square-headed window openings with flush chamfered sandstone surrounds, chamfered sills, and with leaded coloured glass quarries. Modern weather glazing and protective metal meshes over. Square-headed window opening to vestry having flush ashlar surround. Tudor-arched doorway to the centre of the front projection/breakfront having recessed cut stone surround, cut stone steps, and battened timber double doors. Square-headed doorway to the north elevation of vestry having flush chamfered ashlar sandstone surround, and battened timber door. Carved timber altar and timber pews to interior. Set back from road in mature landscaped grounds to the south of the centre of Castlefinn. Rubble stone boundary walls to road-frontage to the west; modern gateway to site. Associated former manse (see 40840032) to the rear (east). - Castlefinn Bridge, bridge, 1750–1770, Regional interest, registry number 40840033, https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=DG®no=40840033. Ten-arch (or twelve-arch) bridge carrying road over the River Finn, built c. 1760, having five-arches to centre over river, four dry arches to the north end and single dry arch to the south. V-profile rubble stone cutwaters to central piers to both upstream and downstream elevations,; modern reinforced underpinning and repairs to central piers. Segmental-headed arches having rubble stone and dressed voussoirs and squared rubble stone construction to arch barrels. Rubble stone construction to spandrels, piers and abutments. Rubble stone parapets having modern repairs in places. Tarmacadam deck. Water pipe attached to the east elevation. Located in the countryside to the south of Castlefinn. ## Ground and risks (Radon Risk Map of Ireland, EPA; Landslide Susceptibility Classification and LiDAR, Geological Survey Ireland) - Radon: at the centre of the townland of Castlefinn, about 1 in 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home: https://www.epa.ie/environment-and-you/radon/radon-testing/#d.en.82887 - Landslides: The 1:50,000 map rates the landslide susceptibility here as low, partly inferred. - Terrain model: LiDAR of the Office of Public Works, flown in 2011, at 2 m: tile OPW_1868, https://gsi.geodata.gov.ie/downloads/LiDAR/OPW_NASC/OPW_1868.zip (ZIP). - Flooding: the flood maps of the Office of Public Works, https://www.floodinfo.ie/map/floodmaps/, linked only: their licence does not allow re-use. LiDAR: contains Irish Public Sector Data (Geological Survey Ireland & the Office of Public Works) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. ## Downloads - DXF, in Irish Transverse Mercator metres, with its boundary, parcels and buildings, for a drawing program: https://everytownland.com/donegal/castlefinn.dxf - GeoJSON, in WGS 84, for a map: https://everytownland.com/donegal/castlefinn.geojson - KML, for Google Earth: https://everytownland.com/donegal/castlefinn.kml ## Homes sold (Residential Property Price Register) No address of the register names Castlefinn with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Donegal: https://everytownland.com/donegal.md ## Neighbouring townlands (National Statutory Boundaries, Tailte Éireann) - Coolyslin: https://everytownland.com/donegal/coolyslin.md - Corcullion: https://everytownland.com/donegal/corcullion.md - Demesne: https://everytownland.com/donegal/demesne.md - Gortfad: https://everytownland.com/donegal/gortfad.md - Grahamsland: https://everytownland.com/donegal/grahamsland.md - Knockrawer: https://everytownland.com/donegal/knockrawer.md - Mullanboy: https://everytownland.com/donegal/mullanboy.md - Sessiagh (Allison): https://everytownland.com/donegal/sessiagh-allison.md - Sessiagh (Long): https://everytownland.com/donegal/sessiagh-long.md - Stranamuck: https://everytownland.com/donegal/stranamuck.md A townland is the smallest land division of Ireland, and the unit of a rural address; old registers such as the 1901 and 1911 censuses file it under its civil parish and barony. --- Everytownland reads the registered freehold land and the statutory boundaries of Tailte Éireann, the national zoning, planning file and heritage records of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Residential Property Price Register. A parcel is the land of a title, not an address. The owner's name is in the Land Registry of Tailte Éireann: a copy of the folio can be ordered on landdirect.ie, for a fee; this site names no owner. A price is the price recorded for a past sale, not a valuation. Sources: Cadastral Parcels Freehold, Townlands, Civil Parishes, Baronies, Electoral Divisions and Buildings, Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0; national zoning of development plans (GZT, MyPlan) and National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0, applicants not shown; designated sites, National Parks and Wildlife Service, CC BY 4.0; Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service, CC BY 4.0; National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, CC BY 4.0; Residential Property Price Register, Property Services Regulatory Authority, re-used with the source acknowledged. - Page: https://everytownland.com/donegal/castlefinn - In JSON: https://everytownland.com/api/townland/donegal/castlefinn