Clan Sweeney - Arrival in Ireland

Arrival in Ireland

The earliest record of a Mac Suibhne, in relation to the clan, is of Murchadh Mac Suibne in 1267. Murchadh's father was Máel Muire an Sparáin of Castle Sween in Knapdale, who was himself the son of Suibne. Murchadh became a prisoner of Domnall Ó Conchobair and was handed over to the Earl of Ulster, in whose prison Murchadh is said to have died.

Once established in Ireland the Clan Sween controlled large territories, and was divided into three branches:

• Mac Suibhne Fánad (Mac Sweeney Fanad)
• Mac Suibhne na d'Tuath (Mac Sweeney Doe)
• Mac Suibhne Boghaineach (Mac Sweeney Banagh)

Rathmullan was the seat of MacSuibhne Fanad for the next 400 years, during which time their influence extended from Donegal into Connacht and Munster. In Donegal their principal seats were Doe Castle and Rahan Castle near Killybegs.

In Scotland the inauguration of the MacSuibhne Clan chiefs had taken place at Iona, where they were also buried. In Ireland they were inaugurated in Kilmacrenan, County Donegal, where MacSuibhne Fanad became influential allies of the O'Donnell of Tyrconnell. The remains of the Sweeneys who went to Ireland are interred outside the walls of Castle Doe, Donegal.

The historian James Logan, in The Scottish Gaël, remarked how the Mac Swineys were notable for their hospitality. At a seat of theirs, Clodach Castle, there was a stone set near the highway which was inscribed with an open invitation to travellers to make for Clodach for refreshment. At some point, one of the family overturned the stone and subsequently were said to have never prospered. Logan also noted that the war-cry of the Mac Sweins was "Battalia-abu" (The noble staff, victorious), from the battle-axe they bore in their Arms.