LETTERKENNY

letterkenny, a market town of co. donegal, ireland, 23 m. w. by s. of londonderry by the londonderry and lough swilly and letterkenny railway. pop. (1901) 2370. it has a harbour at port ballyrane, 1 m. distant on lough swilly. in the market square a considerable trade in grain, flax and provisions is prosecuted. rope-making and shirt-making are industries. the handsome roman catholic cathedral for the diocese of raphoe occupies a commanding site, and cost a large sum, as it contains carving from rome, glass from munich and a pulpit of irish and carrara marble. it was consecrated in 1901. there is a catholic college dedicated to st ewnan. the town, which is governed by an urban district council, is a centre for visitors to the county. its name signifies the "hill of the o'cannanans," a family who lorded over tyrconnell before the rise of the o'donnells.