He was the eldest son of John Dongan or Dungan (died 1592), originally of Fishamble Street, Dublin and his wife Margaret Forster.

John Dongan was a civil servant who became a figure of some importance in the Irish Government, and was rich enough in later life to acquire substantial estates in County Kildare.

He represented Limerick City in the Irish House of Commons and was a supporter of the Union with Great Britain.

In 1815 he was also created Baron Foxford, of Stackpole Court in the County of Limerick, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, giving him a permanent seat in the Lords.

Lord Limerick also served as Under-Secretary of State of Trade from 1972 to 1974 in the Conservative administration of Edward Heath.

[citation needed] The heir apparent is the present holder's son Felix Edmund Pery, Viscount Glentworth (born 1991).