Dún na Naitsí: Fort of the Nazis - when Hitler had Donegal in his crosshairs

After the Germans lost the Battle of Britain on October 31st 1940, Operation Green ceased operations. However, this did not stop the booklet from being widely circulated as a strategic feint by the Abwehr, the German military intelligence throughout Ireland and Britain.

Military scholars generally acknowledge that Operation Green was only ever perceived by the Nazis as a worst-case scenario. Even if that viewpoint is the case, it should not underestimate the military threat that could have tragically impacted Donegal communities

The shocking stories of these photographs and maps is a solemn reminder that history must shock us now and again, especially to keep us on the pulse of conflicts in the world today. The invasions of Ukraine and Palestine are a testament to this tragic reality.

From the Viking longphorts, Anglo-Norman castles, and Planters' big houses - Ireland has historically seen its fair share of invaders construct their foreign forts on Gaelic land.

Fortunately, the dark feldgrau shade of one invader fort that was never constructed in Donegal was Dún na Naitsí - the Fort of the Nazis.

Éamon Ó Caoineachán (Eddie Keenaghan) is a writer, poet and historian. He is originally from Bundoran, but lives on the Gulf Coast of Texas. His work has featured in the Irish Times, History Ireland, IrishCentral, Irish Independent, Impartial Reporter, and Crannóg. He is currently in the PhD in Arts research programme at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.