Rathmelton: takes its name from the Irish, Rath Mealtain, rath meaning a circular enclosure, and Mealtain, someone named Mealtan. Today the name is shortened to Ramelton.
Although archaeological evidence shows that there had been settlement in areas around Ramelton since about 7000 BC, the town of Ramelton dates from the 17th century. Following the defeat of the Gaelic Chieftains, the castle and lands, previously owned by O Donnell, fell into English hands. They were later granted to Sir William Stewart and it is he who built the first town of a church and 45 houses for his new Scottish and English settlers.
These settlers and their descendants went on to develop Ramelton as the county’s chief industrial and commercial centre during the 18th and 19th centuries. During this era ships regularly traded between Ramelton and the British, French and Spanish colonies in the Caribbean carrying linen, corn, bacon, salted fish, beef and dairy products. Although the town has changed quite significantly in recent years it retains much of its original character. The Census Returns recorded a population of 2197 people in Ramelton in 2006.
The view of the 19th century warehouses along the quay is one of the most photographed and most painted views in Donegal.
The house known as 'The Green'.
The Tannery.
The Old Meeting House. One of the oldest Presbyterian Meeting Houses in Ireland, built around 1680 and associated with the Rev Francis Makemie. It is claimed that Makemie, who is noted in American history as the ‘Father of American Presbyterianism’ worshipped here. He was arrested by the New York Governor in 1707 for preaching without a license, but Makemie based his defence on the English Toleration Act of 1689 and was acquitted. He paid exorbitant court costs but gained new followers and support for the idea of religious freedom and civil liberty.
