An Dúchoraidh – The Black Weir
The name Doochary comes from the Irish name An Dúchoraidh meaning ‘the black weir’.
The Early Years
William Burton Conyngham commissioned the building of Doochary Bridge in 1786. The double arch stone bridge was the first to cross the Gweebarra Estuary and improved transport links for his fishery industry on Rutland Island. Prior to that, the only way of crossing the Gweebarra Estuary was by ferry.
By the end of the 19th century, Doochary had developed into a thriving village with a revenue police barracks, post office, dispensary doctor’s surgery, school, a new church and 3 public houses.
Doochary Heritage Trail Map
Doochary remains a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area of Donegal, with many heritage sites easily accessible from the village, including Doochary Bridge, The Ice House, Sarah’s Well, Dónal Mac Diarmada’s house and St. Conal’s Church.
Explore Doochary’s rich heritage and take a walk through time in Donegal history using the interactive trail map.
St. Conal’s Church
St. Conal’s Church was built under the direction of Fr. Scanlan in 1896. To finance the work, a levy was placed on each house in the parish and each paid according to their valuation. Anybody who had a horse and cart had to give a week of their time to the project, which consisted of carting stones, and every able-bodied man had to contribute 26 days work. The church was consecrated on St. Patrick’s Day, 1897.
How a historic High Court case shaped the local fishing industry
Salmon Fisheries
In 1906, the Marquis Conyngham took village fishermen to court for fishing on the tidal stretch of river between Doochary and Ballynacarrick, claiming full fishing rights over the area.
Local netsmen lost the case and were ordered to pay costs. However, they appealed this decision at the High Court and won the right to fish for themselves and for future generations.
Find out about events that led to 244 people being evicted from their homes in 1861
Derryveagh Evictions
An important part of Donegal’s heritage, the Derryveagh evictions of 1861, ordered by landowner John George Adair, made 47 families homeless over a 3 day period.
The first evictees at Lough Barra were widow Mrs. Hanna McAward and her family of 7. After removing the tenants, the sheriff instructed the ‘Crowbar Brigade’ to level their house to the ground.
Knitwear Industry
Women of Doochary were deft knitters, often stitching as they walked – as this photo, installed in a derelict white cottage near to the bridge, demonstrates. They sold their ‘piece work’ to Kennedy of Ardara. This skilled craft work boosted the income of local families.
Discover the site of a terrible massacre and wedding party tragedy
Owennamarve River
Following the Battle of Scarrifhollis in June 1650, soldiers of the Ulster Confederate Army were captured at Owennamarve River/Abhainn na Marbh and ruthlessly massacred by a contingent of Cromwell’s army.
On a dark night in the late 19th century, a large wedding party attempted to cross the river on their way home to the Doochary area. Sadly, all were swept away and lost their lives in the swollen river.
Explore a story of chain migration to Pennsylvania, USA
The Emigrant Irish
Reflecting a pattern of migration across the Republic of Ireland, the Doochary diaspora reaches far and wide, including USA, Canada, UK and Australia.
The Doochary Band
Music has always been an important part of village life. The first account of The Doochary Band was in 1888 when they welcomed home political prisoners in Dungloe. Many villagers played in the band over the years, with a strong revival in the 1950s.
Culture and Folklore
The practice of visiting holy wells is one of the oldest traditions of Irish Christianty. Find out about the social traditions and cultural heritage that have been passed down through Donegal families over generations.