Sheephaven Bay

Sheephaven Bay or Sheep Haven (Irish: Cuan na gCaorach)^[1] is a broad, shallow inlet on the north coast of County Donegal, Ireland.^[2] Bounded by the peninsulas of Rosguill to the east and Horn Head (Irish: Corrán Binne) to the west, the bay is relatively protected from the full force of the Atlantic Ocean, and has supported a large herring fleet.

View of Sheephaven Bay from Dunfanaghy. Horn Head is beyond.

Looking down onto Sheephaven Bay near Marble Hill

Doe Castle on Sheephaven Bay

Etymology

The Irish name Cuan na gCaorach may be a recent translation of the English name to Irish. Some older maps say "Ship Haven", with Irish translation Cuan na Long, but this is considered incorrect.^[1]

Doe Castle

Sheephaven Bay is home to Doe Castle, located near Creeslough, which was built in the early 16th century. The castle, which still stands, was a stronghold for the Clan Sweeney (Clan Suibhne) for 200 years.^[3]

Settlements around the bay

• Carrigart
• Creeslough
• Downings
• Dunfanaghy^[4]
• Horn Head
• Marble Hill
• Portnablagh