Isle of Doagh

[6] The Island was a stronghold of the Lords of Carraig Bhrachai who were part of the Ó Maolfabhail sept (anglicised McFall).

Several townlands within the Isle of Doagh are mentioned in the 1665 Hearth money rolls: a tax levied on chimneys whose revenues were used to support the Royal Household.

[7] In the 1654 Civil Survey, these townlands are also referred to as the property of The 1st Earl of Donegall (who also held the subsidiary title Viscount Chichester).

[8] The survey provided some limited information about economic activities in the area, which were the cultivation of oats, barley, wheat and rye.

Throughout the 19th century, there were a number of maritime accidents nearby: The potato blight and the subsequent famine devastated the Isle of Doagh.

In May 1848, the Weekly Vindicator Newspaper reported that a large contingent of police and bailiffs entered the Isle of Doagh and evicted between 20 and 30 families.

For example, in August 1878, the home of a widow called Mary McGeoghegan, from Maheranoll, Isle of Doagh, was raided by the R.I.C.

The constabulary found a jar containing one gallon and a half of illicit spirits concealed in her potato garden at the rear of her house.

In October 1924, Miss Cassie Doherty from Figart, Isle of Doagh was charged with the possession of illicit spirits.

[20] In March 1926, Civic Guards found stills and barrels containing wash concealed in the sand hills.

[21] In October 1927, the Guards carried out significant operations targeting illegal poitín production on the Isle of Doagh.

The Guards managed to secure the boat and its illicit cargo, successfully apprehending the suspects and removing the still from the vessel.