Dunne is an Irish surname, derived from the Irish ''Ó Duinn'' and ''Ó Doinn'', meaning "dark" or "brown." The name Dunne in Ireland is derived from the Ó Duinn and the Ó Doinn

Gaelic Gaelic is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". As a noun it refers to the group of languages spoken by the Gaels, or to any one of the languages individually. Gaelic languages are spoken in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Ca ...

septs who were based in

County Laois County Laois ( ; gle, Contae Laoise) is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Eastern and Midland Region and in the province of Leinster. It was known as Queen's County from 1556 to 1922. The modern county takes its name from Loígis, a medie ...

, County Meath and

County Wicklow County Wicklow ( ; ga, Contae Chill Mhantáin ) is a county in Ireland. The last of the traditional 32 counties, having been formed as late as 1606, it is part of the Eastern and Midland Region and the province of Leinster. It is bordered by t ...

. These septs in turn are descendants of the

O'Regan O'Regan can refer to: Places *O'Regan's, Newfoundland and Labrador, a village in Newfoundland, Canada People *Brian O'Regan (disambiguation), several people *Daniel O'Regan, New Zealand rugby league player *Danny O'Regan, American ice hockey playe ...

noble family. It is in these counties that the majority of descendants can still be found. Hundreds of years ago, the Gaelic name used by the Dunn family in Ireland was Ó Duinn or Ó Doinn. Both Gaelic names are derived from the Gaelic word ''donn'', which means "brown". Ó Doinn is the genitive case of ''donn''. First found in county Meath, where they held a family seat from very ancient times. Variations: Dunn, Dunne, Dun, Duen, O'Dunne, O'Doyne, Doine, Doin, O'Dunn.

Dunne Castles

The Dunnes formerly owned a number of castles in the midlands of Ireland. Today little remains of most of these castles, many were destroyed during the

Cromwellian Invasion of Ireland The Cromwellian conquest of Ireland or Cromwellian war in Ireland (1649–1653) was the re-conquest of Ireland by the forces of the English Parliament, led by Oliver Cromwell, during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Cromwell invaded Ireland wi ...

Tinnahinch Castle

The principal seat of the Dunne family was Tinnahinch Castle. Originally known as "Baun Riaganach", the castle was built by Tadhg MacLaighnigh Ui Duinn in 1475 and was the residence of the chief of the Dunne's. Tinnahinch Castle was located at the Barrow River, one mile south of Tinnahinch bridge. The name ''Tinnahinch'' originally means "house of the island", a tributary stream of the Barrow river surrounding the castle gives it the appearance of an island. Tinnahinch Castle was destroyed by during the Cromwellian Invasion by forces led by Colonel John Hewson in 1653. At the time it was strongly defended by Charles Dunne and it required a full park of artillery from the invading forces to level the castle. After the destruction of Tinnahinch Castle the principal seat of the Dunne family moved to Brittas Castle. Unfortunately there remains nothing of the original castle apart from a wall which may have been part of the original building.

Brittas Castle

After the destruction of Tinnahinch Castle the Dunne Chief built a new home at Brittas, near Clonaslee, County Laois. Originally there was a thatched lodge located there and the O'Duinns built a mansion at his location. In 1869, Major-General

Francis Plunkett Dunne Major-General Rt Hon. Francis Plunkett Dunne, PC(Ire), (died 1874), was an Irish landowner, officer in the British Army, and member of Parliament of the United Kingdom, where he was sometimes known as 'the Honourable Member for the Army' becaus ...

built a neo-gothic mansion at this location. The house had extensive gardens and also lake which was originally created as a reservoir. In 1942 the building was burned down in a fire.

Ballinakill Castle

It was a coursed rubble and limestone building built between the

River Clodiagh The River Clodiagh () is a small river which rises in Lough Coumduala in the Comeragh Mountains in north County Waterford. (''It should not be confused with the River Clodiagh in County Kilkenny.'') It flows through the villages of Rathgormack, ...

and River Gorragh by the Dunnes on the location of an earlier castle which was destroyed by Cromwellian invasion forces. It was built by Colonel Terence O'Dunne in 1680 who was killed at the Battle of Aughrim and is buried at the graveyard in

Killeigh Killeigh (, meaning "church of the field") is a village in County Offaly, Ireland. It is located around south of the county town of Tullamore Tullamore (; ) is the county town of County Offaly in Ireland. It is on the Grand Canal, in the ...

Coolnamoney Castle

Teige O'Doyne built the Dunne castle Coolnamoney Lower near the Glenlahan River. Not much is left of the castle today, but some of the original features can be seen in the ruins.

Castlebrack Castle

Castlebrack Castle was built by Tadhg MacLaighnigh Ui Duinn in 1475. It was built to be occupied by the Tanist, which was the name of the position held by the clan's deputy chief. This castle was second in size and importance to Tinnahinch Castle, which was the principal residence of the Dunnes. Terence O'Dunne completed a major refurbishment of the castle in 1688, however by 1838, all that was left of the castle was ruins.

Clarahill Castle

Clarahill Castle was built by a junior/younger branch of the Dunne family. It was built in 1600, and in 1900 it was destroyed for road material.

Ballinahemmy Castle

The Dunnes also built Ballinahemmy Castle near the town of Corrigeen, in County Laois, and its location is marked on the Ordnance Survey map.

Raskeen Castle

Raskeen Castle was built by Donal O'Dunne in 1584 and destroyed in 1691.

People with the surname Dunne

* Ben Dunne (born 1949), Irish entrepreneur and former director of Dunnes Stores *

Benny Dunne Benny Dunne (born 22 September 1980) is an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Tipperary senior team. He joined the team in 2002 and was a regular member of the starting fifteen until his retirement in 2011. Younger brother of cu ...

(born 1980), Irish hurler *

Bobby Dunne Bobby Dunne (28 March 1949 – 13 November 1998 (aged 49) was an Australian professional feather/super featherweight boxer of the 1960s and '70s who won the Commonwealth featherweight title, his professional fighting weight varied from , i.e. ...

(1949–1992), Australian boxer of the 1960s and '70s *

Bernard Dunne Bernard Dunne (born 6 February 1980) is an Irish former professional boxer and a former WBA (Regular), and European Super Bantamweight champion. On Saturday 21 March 2009, Dunne defeated Ricardo Cordoba in the 11th round to become the WBA (Reg ...

(born 1980), Irish professional boxer *

Colin Dunne Colin Dunne (born 8 May 1968) is an English-Irish dancer and choreographer who is a leading figure in the world of traditional Irish dance, as well as a theatre actor and contemporary dancer. Best known internationally for his performances and c ...

(born 1968), professional Irish dancer *

Conor Dunne Conor Dunne (born 22 January 1992 in St Albans) is an Irish former professional cyclist, who competed professionally between 2014 and 2019 for the , , and teams. Career He was named in the startlist for the 2017 Vuelta a España. Following t ...

(born 1992), Irish cyclist, brother of Katy Dunne * David Dunne (born 1995), Irish hurler * Dominick Dunne (1925–2009), American writer and investigative journalist * Dominique Dunne (1959–1982), American actress, daughter of Dominick Dunne *

Edmund Francis Dunne Count Edmund Francis Dunne, (July 30, 1835 – October 4, 1904) born Edmund Francis O'Dunne, was an American politician and jurist who served as chief justice of the Supreme Court of Arizona Territory. During his early career he served in the Cal ...

(1835–1904), Chief Justice of the

Arizona Territory The Territory of Arizona (also known as Arizona Territory) was a territory of the United States that existed from February 24, 1863, until February 14, 1912, when the remaining extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the state of ...

, founder of San Antonio, Florida *

Edmund Michael Dunne Edmund Michael Dunne (February 2, 1864 – October 17, 1929) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois from 1909 until his death in 1929. Biography Early life Edmund Dunn ...

(1864–1929), American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church and Bishop of Peoria * Edward Fitzsimmons Dunne (1853–1937), American politician *

Edward Joseph Dunne Edward Joseph Dunne (April 23, 1848 – August 5, 1910) was an Irish-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Dallas in Texas from 1894 until his death in 1910. Biography Early life Edward Dunne was ...

(1848–1910), Irish-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church and Bishop of Dallas * Emmett Dunne (born 1956), Australian rules footballer * Finley Peter Dunne (1867–1936), American author, writer and humorist * Lawrence Francis "Frank" Dunne (1898–1937), Australian cartoonist * Francis Charlton "Diver" Dunne (1875–1937), Australian rules footballer *

Gordon Dunne Gordon Dunne (4 April 1959 – 20 June 2021) was a Unionist politician from Northern Ireland representing the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Dunne was a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) from 2011 to 2021, representing North ...

(1959–2021), Northern Irish politician *

Griffin Dunne Thomas Griffin Dunne (; born June 8, 1955) is an American actor, film producer, and film director. Dunne studied acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. He is known for portraying Jack Goodman in '' An Amer ...

(born 1955), American actor and film director, son of Dominick Dunne * Irene Dunne (1898–1990), American actress *

Lady Jasmine Dunne Peregrine Andrew Morny Cavendish, 12th Duke of Devonshire, (also known as "Stoker"; born 27 April 1944) is an English peer. He is the only surviving son of Andrew Cavendish, 11th Duke of Devonshire and his wife, the former Deborah Mitford. He ...

(born 1973) *

Jeff Dunne Jeffrey Dunne (14 May 1956 – 14 September 2020) was an Australian rules footballer who played 102 games for St Kilda and Richmond in the top tier Victorian Football League during the 1970s and 1980s. Recruited from the North Ballarat Footbal ...

(born 1956), Australian rules footballer *

James E. Dunne James Edward Dunne (October 3, 1882 – February 28, 1942) was mayor of Providence, Rhode Island for twelve years (six two-year terms), from January 1927 to January 1939. He was mayor during both the Great Depression and the Hurricane of 1938. ...

(1882–1942), mayor of Providence 1927–1939 * Jimmy Dunne (1905–1949), Irish international footballer *

Jimmy Dunne (footballer born 1935) James Patrick Dunne (16 March 1935 – 1983 or 1984) was an Irish footballer. The son of Irish international Jimmy Dunne, Jimmy Dunne the younger played for St Patrick's Athletic with his brother Tommy, winning the 1959 FAI Cup. He also had b ...

, Irish footballer, son of Jimmy Dunne *

Jimmy Dunne (footballer born 1947) James Christopher Dunne (born 1 December 1947, in Dublin) is an Irish former professional footballer. He played as a central defender or midfielder. He went from Shelbourne to Millwall in 1966 but didn't play first team for Millwall, before mov ...

, Irish footballer *

Joe Dunne Joseph John Dunne (born 25 May 1973) is an Irish Manager (association football), football manager and former association football, footballer who is currently assistant manager of Newport County A.F.C., Newport County. Dunne played as a defen ...

(born 1973), Irish footballer *

John Dunne (disambiguation) John Dunne may refer to: Religion *John Dunne (priest) (1816–1867), Irish priest and educator *John Dunne (bishop of Bathurst) (1845–1919), Roman Catholic bishop of Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia *John Dunne (bishop of Wilcannia) (1846� ...

, multiple people * Karen Dunne (born 1967), American track and road cyclist * Katy Dunne, (born 1995), British tennis player, sister of

Liam Dunne (footballer) Liam Dunne (born 1 September 1971) is an Irish former soccer player. Senior career As a midfielder, he played for Bohemian F.C., Bohemians in 1990 and broke into the first team, making his league debut against Derry City F.C., Derry City on ...

(born 1971), Irish footballer * Liam Dunne (born 1968), Irish hurler * Martin Dunne (English footballer) (1887–unknown), English footballer *

Michael Dunne (disambiguation) Michael or Mike Dunne may refer to: * Mike Dunne (journalist) (1949–2007), American writer * Mick Dunne (1929–2002), Irish sports journalist * Mike Dunne (baseball) (born 1962), American baseball player * Michael Dunne (MP), Member of the UK Pa ...

, multiple people *

Olivia Dunne Olivia Paige "Livvy" Dunne (born October 1, 2002) is an American artistic gymnast and social media personality. A former USA national team member and a current member of the LSU Tigers women's gymnastics team, she is the highest-valued women's ...

(born 2002), American gymnast and internet personality *

Paddy Dunne (Gaelic footballer) Paddy Dunne was a Gaelic football player from Park–Ratheniska GAA, Park in County Laois. He played for many years on the Laois senior football team in the centre half back position and was widely regarded as one of the outstanding players ...

Paddy Dunne (politician) Patrick Dunne (3 November 1928 – 20 July 2006) was a Labour Party politician from Dublin in Ireland. He was Lord Mayor of Dublin from 1975 to 1976, and a senator from 1981 to 1982. A long-serving member of Dublin Corporation, Dunne stood unsu ...

(1928–2006), Irish politician *

Pat Dunne Patrick "Pat" Dunne (9 February 1943 – 25 September 2015) was an Irish professional football goalkeeper. He played internationally for the Republic of Ireland and professionally in both Republic of Ireland and England. Dunne played in Dublin ...

(born 1943), Irish football goalkeeper *

Patrick Dunne (priest) Fr. Patrick Dunne (1818–1900) was an Irish Roman Catholic priest who ministered in Australia. He was born in Philipstown, now Daingean, County Offaly. He trained for the priesthood in St. Patrick's, Carlow College, was ordained in 1846 and se ...

(1818–1900), Irish priest active in Australia * Pete Dunne, professional wrestler who is the WWE United Kingdom Champion and appears on NXT and NXT UK * Peter Dunne (born 1954), New Zealand politician *

Philip Russell Rendel Dunne Captain Philip Russell Rendel Dunne, MC (28 February 1904 – 13 April 1965) was an English soldier and politician. Lord of the Manor of Leinthall Earls. He was the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Marten Dunne (1864–1944), Liberal Member of ...

(1904–1965), MC (1943), Unionist M.P. 1935–1937 * Philip Dunne (writer) (1908–1992), Hollywood screenwriter and director *

Philip Dunne (Ludlow politician) Philip Martin Dunne (born 14 August 1958) is a British politician who has served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ludlow constituency in Shropshire since the 2005 general election. He is a member of the Conservative Party. He has bee ...

(born 1958), British politician *

Philippa Dunne Philippa Dunne is an Irish actress and writer. She is known for co-writing and starring in the RTÉ comedy '' The Walshes'', as well as her roles as Anne Flynn in ''Motherland'', Geraldine Devlin in ''Derry Girls'' and Ria in '' This Is Going t ...

, Irish actress and writer * Reginald Dunne (Irish Republican Army), assassin * Richard Dunne (born 1979), Irish footballer * Robin Dunne (born 1976), Canadian actor * Ross Dunne (born 1948), Australian rules footballer *

Seán Dunne (politician) Seán Dunne (18 December 1918 – 25 June 1969) was a trade union leader and Irish Labour Party politician. He was a Teachta Dála (TD) from 1948 to 1957 and from 1961 to 1969. Early life Dunne was born in Waterford, to Michael Dunne, an RIC ...

(1918–1969), Irish Labour Party politician * Stephen Dunne (actor) (1918–1977), American actor *

Tal Dunne Tal Michael Dunne ( he, טל דן; born 25 February 1987) is a Wales-born Israeli former basketball player for Ironi Nes Ziona of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. Early life Dunne was born in Aberystwyth, Wales, to a Jewish family. Dunne l ...

(born 1987), Welsh-born Israeli professional basketball player for Israeli team Ironi Nes Ziona *

Thomas Dunne (disambiguation) Thomas Dunne may refer to: * Thomas Dunne (Irish politician) (1926–1990), Irish Fine Gael politician and Member of the European Parliament * Thomas Dunne (Lord Lieutenant) (born 1933), Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire in the United Kingdom * Tomm ...

, multiple people *

Thomas L. Dunne Thomas L. Dunne (born July 30, 1946) is an American book publisher. He holds the title of publisher at Thomas Dunne Books, founded in 1986, and is an executive Vice President at St. Martin's Press where he has worked since 1971. Known for his " ...

, American publisher of Thomas Dunne Books *

Tom Dunne Thomas Dunne is an Irish radio broadcaster with Newstalk, and a singer/songwriter with the band Something Happens. Prior to joining Newstalk, Dunne worked on Today FM, presenting his very successful and hugely popular radio program, "Pet Soun ...

, musician and Irish radio DJ *

Tommy Dunne (footballer born 1927) Thomas Dunne (19 March 1927 – 23 January 1988) is an Irish former footballer who played as a wing-half. Dunne was born in Dublin. He is a nephew of the famed Jimmy Dunne. He began his senior career with Shamrock Rovers in 1949. During his t ...

(1927–1988), Irish footballer * Tommy Dunne (footballer born 1972), Irish footballer * Tommy Dunne (born 1974), Irish hurler *

Tony Dunne Anthony Peter Dunne (24 July 19418 June 2020) was an Irish footballer who played as a left-back. Born in Dublin, he began his career with youth side Stella Maris before signing for Drumcondra-based Shelbourne, with whom he won the FAI Cup in ...

(born 1941), Irish footballer * Veronica Dunne (singer) (1927–2021), Irish singer and singing teacher

Other

* ''

I Am Mary Dunne ''I Am Mary Dunne'' is a novel, 1968 in literature, first published in 1968, by Northern Irish-Canadians, Canadian writer Brian Moore (novelist), Brian Moore about one day in the life of a beautiful and well-to-do 31-year-old Canadian woman livi ...

'', novel * Dunnes Stores *

George W. Dunne Golf Course and Driving Range George may refer to: People * George (given name) * George (surname) * George (singer), American-Canadian singer George Nozuka, known by the mononym George * George Washington, First President of the United States * George W. Bush, 43rd President ...

* Thomas Dunne Books *

Dunne-za The Dane-zaa (ᑕᓀᖚ, also spelled Dunne-za, or Tsattine) are an Athabaskan-speaking group of First Nations people. Their traditional territory is around the Peace River in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. Today, about 1,600 Dane-zaa resi ...

References

External links

* {{surname English-language surnames Surnames of Irish origin Anglicised Irish-language surnames Irish families