From "Diocese of Down and Connor Ancient and Modern" by  Rev. J. O'Laverty P.P.M.R.I.A (published 1887)

On the summit of a bold promontory, that rises to a fearful height above the sea, stand the shattered remains of the fortress of Doonaneeny (Dun-an-aenaighe - the fort of the assembly or fair") The area on which the castle stood is a smooth level, measuring from east to west 60 yards, and from north to south 35 yards. It was surrounded by the sea on all sides except the south, where it was protected by a moat extending from east to west 80 yards, cut chiefly through the solid rock. This trench is from 20 to 26 feet wide at the top, and averages 10 feet in width at the bottom, and is from 13 to 26 feet deep. This was crossed by a drawbridge - the only entrance - which from some indications seems to have been about 7 1/2 feet broad and 20 feet long. The gate tower was 28 feet long, and the doorway seems to have been 5 feet wide; on the east side of it within the thickness of the wall is an apartment 3 1/2 feet wide, 8 1/2 feet long. On the west side of the gateway is a small watch room. Part of the bolt-hole and a loop-hole remain. The gate-tower advances 3 feet 8 inches farther than the line of the curtain walls, which extend 11 feet on either side of the gate-tower. The highest part of the wall now remaining is only 12 1/2 feet, and every vestige of the castle which stood within the fortified area has disappeared. Large quantities of human bones and broken steel swords, with large guards, have been from time to time discovered in removing portions of the castle. The chieftains of the MacDonnells made this one of their principal strongholds, and from it they could watch their galleys gliding into Port Brittas, almost at its base. It fell into the hands of the English in Perrot's expedition, and William Stanley writes to his ~' verey lovinge cozen, Sir Henry Bagenall, Knight," from the fort "of Donanany, this 5th Janewary, 1584," telling him of the attack made on the English garrison located in the abbey of Bunamargy and that, "when Captayn Bowen's company came we caused them to lodge at the fort Donanynie," and tells that the captain had of his men "nyne in the ward of Donanany." When the old fort passed by charter with their other possessions to the MacDonnells, they appointed Hugh MacNeill, one of their retainers from Gigha, or Cantire, to be its constable. In 1612 Sir Randal granted Dunaneeny, together with the Ballycastle estate, to the constable. In 1606 Sir Randal obtained by charter the right of holding a Tuesday's market at "Dunanynie." The markets and fairs were held in the fields to the south of the old fortress but all have been transferred to Ballycastle.
The six annual fairs in this parish (Ramoan) are all held in Ballycastle; on Easter Tuesday, on the last Tuesday in May, last Tuesday of July, last Tuesday of August, 3rd. and 27th. November" - Mason's Parochial Survey.