# Donegal

> town in the Donegal County, Ireland

**Wikidata**: [Q855330](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q855330)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donegal_(town))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/donegal

## Summary
Donegal is a town located in County Donegal, Ireland, with a population of 2,618 as of 2016. It serves as the historic capital of the Gaelic kingdom of Tyrconnell and features notable landmarks including Donegal Castle.

## Key Facts
- Population: 2,618 (2016 census), 2,607 (2011 census)
- Area: 2.65 square kilometers
- Elevation: 32 meters above sea level
- Coordinates: 54.65°N, -8.117°W
- Local dialing code: 74
- Timezone: UTC±00:00
- UN/LOCODE: IECFN
- Irish Grid Reference: G924789
- Native Irish name: Dún na nGall
- Historic county: County Donegal
- Twinned with: St. Louis
- Notable landmark: Donegal Castle
- Local newspaper: Donegal Post

## FAQs
**What is the population of Donegal?**
Donegal had a population of 2,607 according to the 2011 census, which increased to 2,618 by the 2016 census.

**What is Donegal known for historically?**
Donegal served as the capital of the Gaelic kingdom of Tyrconnell, which existed from at least 401 CE, and is home to the historic Donegal Castle.

**What are the key geographic details of Donegal?**
Donegal covers an area of 2.65 square kilometers, sits at an elevation of 32 meters above sea level, and is located at coordinates 54.65°N, -8.117°W in County Donegal, Ireland.

**What local services are available in Donegal?**
Donegal has its own local newspaper called the Donegal Post, headquartered in the town, and maintains a dedicated website at http://www.donegaltown.ie/.

## Why It Matters
Donegal represents a significant historical and cultural center in Ireland's northwest region, serving as the former capital of the powerful Gaelic kingdom of Tyrconnell. Its strategic location and rich heritage make it an important gateway to understanding Ireland's medieval history and Gaelic culture. The town continues to serve as a vital community hub for County Donegal, maintaining its historical significance while providing modern services to residents and visitors.

## Notable For
- Historic capital of the Gaelic kingdom of Tyrconnell
- Home to Donegal Castle, a major medieval fortress
- Preservation of traditional Irish language with native name Dún na nGall
- Strategic location in Ireland's northwest region
- Rich archaeological and historical heritage
- Active community with local newspaper and services

## Body
### Geographic and Administrative Details
Donegal is situated in County Donegal, Ireland, covering an area of 2.65 square kilometers at an elevation of 32 meters above sea level. The town is located at precise coordinates of 54.65°N latitude and -8.117°W longitude. It operates under the UTC±00:00 timezone and uses the local dialing code 74. The town's Irish Grid Reference is G924789, and it is identified by the UN/LOCODE IECFN for international trade purposes.

### Historical Significance
The town holds immense historical importance as the capital of Tyrconnell, a Gaelic kingdom that existed from at least 401 CE. This historical role is reflected in its native Irish name, Dún na nGall, which translates to "fort of the foreigners." The town's coat of arms is officially documented and available through Wikimedia Commons. Donegal has witnessed significant historical events, including the Siege of Donegal, which remains a notable chapter in its history.

### Demographics and Population
According to census data, Donegal's population was recorded at 2,607 in 2011 and grew to 2,618 by 2016. This demographic information is verified through official population statistics and is referenced in academic sources. The town maintains its status as a significant population center within County Donegal.

### Infrastructure and Services
Donegal maintains modern infrastructure while preserving its historical character. The town operates an official website at http://www.donegaltown.ie/ and has its own local newspaper, the Donegal Post, which is headquartered in the town. The community is twinned with St. Louis, fostering international relationships and cultural exchange.

### Cultural and Heritage Sites
The most prominent historical landmark in Donegal is Donegal Castle, which stands as a testament to the town's medieval importance. The castle, along with other historical sites, contributes to Donegal's rich cultural heritage. The town is also known for its panoramic views, with photographic documentation available through Wikimedia Commons.

### Administrative Classifications
Donegal is classified as a city and is recognized as an instance of a large human settlement. It is located within the historic county of County Donegal and maintains various administrative identifiers including VIAF ID 127982213 and Library of Congress Authority ID n92011794. The town is also listed in multiple international databases and gazetteers, including Geonames ID 2964752 and ArchInform location ID 45605.

### Media and Documentation
Donegal has been extensively documented across various media platforms. It has a dedicated Wikipedia page titled "Donegal (town)" and maintains a presence in 34 different languages on Wikipedia. The town has its own category on Wikimedia Commons and features in multiple photographic collections. Various identifiers including Freebase ID /m/03xrt5 and Worldcat Entities ID E39PBJqK9fWqrY9bkTYpRBctrq help track its documentation across different platforms.

### Geographic Information Systems
The town is well-represented in geographic information systems with multiple identifiers including Who's On First ID 101805089 and various mapping references. Its location is precisely documented with coordinates and grid references, making it easily locatable in both traditional and digital mapping systems.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](http://citypopulation.de/Ireland-Cities.html)
4. GeoNames
5. BBC Things
6. Placenames Database of Ireland
7. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ie.htm)
8. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File