DUNFANAGHY, a sea-port and post-town, in the
parish of CLONDEHORKY, barony of KILMACRENAN,
county of DONEGAL, and province of ULSTER, 32 miles
(N. W.) from Lifford, and 137¼ (N. N. W.) from Dublin;
containing 464 inhabitants. It is situated on the bay
of Sheephaven, and consists of one street, containing
85 houses; the inlet from Sheephaven forms a commodious
bay, which takes its name from this place, and
affords good anchorage to vessels of the largest burden,
which find better shelter here than in Sheephaven, from
the latter being too much exposed to the north and
north-east winds. This place is the head of a coastguard
district, comprising also the stations of Rutland,
Guidore, Innisboffin, Sheephaven, Mulroy, Rathmullen,
and Knockadoon; and including a force of 7 officers
and 53 men, under a resident inspecting commander.
Fairs are held on the Thursday after Whit-Sunday,
Aug. 5th, Oct. 2nd, and Nov. 17th. A constabulary
police force is stationed in the town, and petty sessions
are held every Friday. Nearly adjoining it, on
the west, is a very extensive rabbit warren; and the
neighbourhood is rich in mineral productions. The surrounding
district, called Cloghanealy, consists chiefly of
mountainous elevations covered with very indifferent
herbage; and among its geological features are hills of
sand and rocks of granite and crystal, rising to a great
height. A commodious school-hou.se has been built in
the town, and there is also a dispensary.