Located on Patrick’s Hill and above a stone outcrop in the village of Dunfanaghy, County Donegal, this crenellated little tower’s origins are unclear. While it does not appear on the original Ordnance Survey map of the late 1830s, it is shown on Griffith’s Valuation map a couple of decades later. Was it constructed as a folly or a lookout post with views across the local Sheephaven Bay? And who commissioned it? Set on a plinth and of rubble stone, the structure has a pointed arch opening on the west side and square-headed window opening to the north, with an infilled opening on the south face. It holds one small room: what can its purpose have been?
As you do not mention an estate or nearby large house, I assume it is not a folly or an eyecatcher. Which suggests it was an observation tower but for what purpose ?
Folly?
What a strange curiosity. All I can think is that maybe someone woke up one morning and thought to himself, ‘Yerra, I’ll build a class of a castle up there that’ll puzzle the hell out of the lads in the 21st century’. Never underestimate the craziness of eccentrics.
I also think it is a Folly. Somewhere to sit in the fresh air, enjoy the view, take out your telescope and see who’s on that yacht. The grandchildren too would love to play there and nanny could set out a picnic and cool drinks in the room below.