The Market Square

The Market Sqaure in Letterkenny, is an example of the type of town plan that was developed following the Plantation of Ulster, after the flight of Earls in 1607.Towns were built around a central location that would serve as the social and economic hub of the community, where markets, fairs, military parades or celebrations would be held. Sometimes these areas were square shaped, like Letterkenny, Lifford or Derry, while others such as Donegal Town, Raphoe, or Castlefinn, were actually tiangular shaped. Strangely, as in the case of Donegal Town, Derry, Raphoe and Castlefinn, these areas were called The Diamond! The fine red-bricked terrace of houses at the top of The Square is known as Mount Southwell Place, and there are other buildings and structures of note that are well worth visiting.

Click Learn more below to watch our video of the Market Square and to hear Hugh Devlin , a local historian, recount the history and stories of this area.