Red Hugh O’Donnell the First spared no cost in assisting the Franciscans in the construction and furnishing of their new monastery. The loyal monastic community flourished at Donegal Abbey for almost a century and a quarter, thanks to the generous assistance of succeeding O’Donnell Chieftains.
The magnificent structure included a chapel, choir, tower, cloisters, chapter-house, library, refectory, and residential apartments. There was probably definitely an infirmary and a medicinal herb garden.
There was also easy access to a plentiful supply of salmon and other seafood from the Eske estuary, which was just below the kitchen.
Red Hugh O’Donnell the Second failed to defend the abbey from enemy assault in 1601 and it was destroyed in the epic fight.
The abbey grounds are now a cemetery.
