The first settlers in Gweedore

The Ulster Plantations (1609) played a large part in the formation of the Parish. Native families were driven from their own fertile lands in the East & the Lagan towards areas of West Donegal. When they had reached Gweedore, they could go no further West. 

It was around this time that English & Scottish people also began settling here when this previously unchartered territory was made a Barony.

Evidence suggests that few people lived here before the 17th century. The first people to make it here lived on the islands or by the shore in cloigíní - small clusters of houses built close to one another to provide shelter & safety.