Overview
Sheephaven Bay is a broad, shallow inlet on the north coast of County Donegal, bounded by the Rosguill Peninsula to the east and Horn Head to the west. Those two arms keep the worst of the Atlantic off the water, which is why the bay once supported a large herring fleet. The name has drifted about: the Irish Cuan na gCaorach (‘haven of the sheep’) looks to be a modern translation, older maps record ‘Ship Haven’, and an earlier name again was Cuan na gCurrach, the bay of the currachs. Around its shore sit Carrigart, Creeslough, Downings, Dunfanaghy, Marble Hill and Portnablagh.
Doe Castle
The bay’s landmark is Doe Castle, a tower house on the waterline near Creeslough and the stronghold of the MacSweeneys (Clann Suibhne), who held it for roughly two centuries from the 1420s. Chief Eoghan Óg II sheltered survivors of the 1588 Spanish Armada within its walls, and the last chief, Maolmhuire an Bhata Bhui, marched out with Red Hugh O’Donnell to the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. Inside the keep is a finely carved MacSweeney grave-slab from 1544.
The OPW visitor page lists the grounds as open daily. Ask the OPW about arranging a guided visit to the keep. The castle is on the R245 between Carrigart and Creeslough.
Beaches and coastal walks
The shore mixes sheltered strands with rugged coves. Murder Hole Beach is known for its steep cliffs and golden sand. Further east, Marble Hill is a long dune-backed arc, and Downings faces into the calmer inner bay. For a beach walk, use signed public entrances and check local notices. The bay’s sheltered appearance can be misleading. Swim only in a designated area while lifeguards are on duty and keep out of tidal channels.
On the water
The sheltered inner bay sees little surf, while the more exposed strands take swell in winter when north-westerly swells run.
Wildlife
The shallow, nutrient-rich water pulls in gulls and terns, with the odd puffin along the cliff edges. For the seabirds proper, cross to Horn Head, whose loop passes prehistoric stone circles, Napoleonic-era coastal-defence points and a WWII lookout, and whose cliffs hold breeding kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots in spring. Ards Forest Park, to the south of the bay, adds woodland and lake trails.
Practical information
Getting there – Drive north from Letterkenny on the N56, turn onto the R251 toward Dunfanaghy, then follow the R245 for Doe Castle.
Tides – Safe access along the shore changes sharply with the tide; check the Irish Marine Forecast or local tide tables before you set out.