Béal Átha Seanaidh

Ballyshannon, situated at the mouth of the River Erne estuary in south Donegal, derives its name from an ancient ford crossing—"Béal Átha Seanaidh"—most likely named after Seannach, a fifth-century warrior. The Erne estuary marked the southern boundary of historic Tír Chonaill, the O'Donnell domain, and the town became a critical stronghold in Gaelic Ulster. The O'Donnells constructed a castle ...