This tower house, likely built in the 15th or 16th century, was once the stronghold of a local Gaelic family who controlled this portion of County Mayo during turbulent times. The castle’s dual name reflects the complex history of land ownership and linguistic evolution in the region; Fahy derives from the Irish ‘An Fhaiche’, meaning ‘the green’ or ‘the field’, whilst Doona comes from ‘Dún’, meaning fort or stronghold.

The castle follows the typical design of Irish tower houses of its era, with thick limestone walls, narrow defensive windows, and multiple floors that once housed living quarters, storage areas, and defensive positions. Though now roofless and partially ruined, the structure still displays evidence of its former sophistication, including the remnants of a spiral staircase built into the walls, murder holes above the entrance, and what appear to be the brackets that once supported wooden floors. The ground floor, traditionally used for storage and sometimes livestock, features a distinctive vaulted stone ceiling that has survived the centuries remarkably well.

Today, the castle stands on private farmland, slowly surrendering to ivy and weather but still maintaining its imposing presence. Local folklore suggests it was abandoned following Cromwell’s campaign through Ireland in the 1650s, though historical records remain frustratingly vague about its final years of occupation. For those interested in Ireland’s castle heritage, Fahy or Doona Castle offers a glimpse into the lives of the minor nobility who once dominated the Irish landscape, building these compact fortresses that served as both homes and symbols of power in an uncertain world.