Donal Mac Amhlaigh was born on Cappagh Road in Barna on December 10, 1926. His father James was a native of Kinvara who fought with the East Clare Brigade of the IRA in the War of Independence and who later joined the Irish Army. His mother was an Irish speaker, Mary Condon from Cappagh. They had three sons and a daughter in family. Pádraic Ó Conaire was a regular visitor to their house.