The State Paper recording her possession is as follows: “From Cul-Mac-Tryan runs a bogg three myles in length to the side of Lough Foyle—in the midst of the bog is a standing loughe called Bunaber—here at Bunaber dwells O’Donnell’s mother (Ineen Dubh M’Donnell). Three miles above Cargan stands a fort called McGevyvelin (Mongivlin) upon the river of Lough Foyle—O’Donnell’s mother’s chief house.”
The fortress is mentioned in 1619 in Captain Pynnar’s Survey of the Escheated Counties of Ulster in the following manner: “Sir John Stewart hath 3,000 acres called Cashell Hetin and Littergull. Upon this proportion there is built, at Magevlin, a very strong castle, with a flanker at each corner.”
James II. was the guest of Archdeacon Hamilton at Mongevlin during the siege of Derry. From there he sent proposals of surrender to the garrison by his host, which were rejected.
A sad incident occurred in connection with the castle last century. A servant lad being employed by the owner of the time was so terrified by the ghost stories he heard in connection with the building that he left his situation and went home. His friends persuaded him to return, but the matter so preyed upon his mind that he shortly after hanged himself.
| Authorities Consulted. |
| “The Donegal Highlands.” |
| J. A. H., “Mongevlin Castle,” in Dublin Penny Journal. |
MONKSTOWN CASTLE, COUNTY CORK
Situated at the western extremity of Cork Harbour, in the Barony of Kerricurrihy, is the now ruined castle of Monkstown. The name is derived from the Monastery Legan, belonging to the Benedictine Monks, which was formerly established here, it being a cell of Bath Abbey.
The castle consists of a quadrangular building, flanked by four square towers, having machicolated defences projecting from their angles. The windows are in excellent preservation, being of square Tudor style, divided by strong stone mullions, with horizontal weather cornices. The moulding of the door displays excellent workmanship.
The estate belonged to the Archdeacons, who changed their name to MacOdo, or Cody.