but was quickly restored by its new owners. Brooke also added windows, a gable and a large manor-house wing to the keep, all in the Jacobean style. The Brooke family owned the castle up until the 1670s when they moved to near Lisnaskea in County Fermanagh. At that time, in the 1670s, the Brookes sold the castle to the Gore dynasty, who later became Earls of Arran in the Peerage of Ireland. The castle fell into a ruinous state under the Gores in the early 18th century. In 1898, the then owner, The 5th Earl of Arran, vested the castle in the care of The Office of Public Works. Restoration In the early 1990s, the castle was partially restored by The Office of Public Works (The O.P.W.). The towerhouse has had new roofing and flooring added, in keeping with the original styles and techniques used in the 15th and 17th centuries. The stonework has been restored and the manor wing has been partially roofed. Some of the oak timbers used came from the Colebrooke Estate, just outside Brookeborough in County Fermanagh. Parts of the exterior of the tower house have been harled. The castle is now open to the public and often hosts events such as Gaelic cultural evenings or Ulster Scots events. References External links Donegal Castle on the Heritage Ireland website Castle Castles in County Donegal Historic house museums in the Republic of Ireland Museums in County Donegal National Monuments in County Donegal O'Donnell dynasty