McDonald Family of Donegal & Falkirk

In the book ‘Families of Co. Donegal, Ireland’ author Michael C. O’Laughlin sites sources that first record the McDonald surname in Ireland in 1506 and that by 1659 it was a principal one in Antrim. The Irish McDonalds are likely to be descended from the McDonnells, who came from Argyllshire in the 13th century as ‘gallowglass’ (fighting men) and eventually settling in Antrim.

This site concerns the descendants of a James McDonald, who was probably born in Ireland and a Quarryman by profession. James married an Elizabeth Quail and to date had one known son called George. It’s possible he was born in Buncrana, Donegal in 1811, and emigrated with his family to Central Scotland around 1848, probably to escape the ravages of the potato famine.

George and his wife Margaret Kane settled in Camelon, a small village west of Falkirk in the county of Stirlingshire. Many of George and Margaret’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren worked in the iron foundries that dominated the area in the latter half of the nineteenth century. A large number of their descendants continue to live in and around Falkirk today.

To see a list of James’ descendants click on ‘people’. If you are related to anyone in this database I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch via the ‘cousins’ category. This research is an ongoing project by Scott Wishart with the help of Margaret, Elizabeth and the late John & Catherine McDonald.

For a full list of McDonalds, or see to see places associated with the family click the following buttons. To perform a basic search of the database please fill out the form below.