2007 marks the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls, a pivotal moment in Irish history, marking the end of an ancient Gaelic order. On the 14th September 1607, four years after the end of the Nine Years War, a group of Ireland’s noble elite left their land and people to find refuge and seek assistance for their cause in Europe.
Among those who left were Hugh O'Neill Earl of Tyrone, Rory O'Donnell Earl of Tyrconnel, The Maguire of Fermanagh, family members and dozens of elite soldiers and scholars.
This "Flight" made way for events such as the Plantation of Ulster. It was also a key event in the establishment of the Irish Diaspora around the world. Descendants of those who took part in the event established themselves as leading lights in many different fields of activity in their adopted countries and they do so to this day.
To mark this keystone in Irish history Donegal is co-ordinating a year long commemoration to take place throughout Donegal during 2007. Donegal is also working in association with other partners in Ireland and Europe in relation to events taking place further a field. It is hoped to involve as many people as possible with an interest in Donegal or in this period of history in the events of 2007.
The extensive programme includes:
- Festivals
- Historical lectures
- Marine events
- Concerts
- Clan gatherings
- Theatre
- Exhibitions
- Schools projects
- Community projects
Further information can be obtained by contacting flightoftheearls@donegalcoco.ie & www.flightoftheearls.ie
Flight of the Earls Coordinator
Donegal County Council
Letterkenny
Co.Donegal
Ireland
Flight of the Earls 1607 -Part of you. Be part of it in 2007.
The project is part funded by the European Union through Interreg IIIA and the International Fund for Ireland.
Historical Background:
- The Flight of the Earls took place on the 14th September 1607
- Flight of the Earls marked the end of an ancient Gaelic order that had lasted over 1000 years.
- It led to the successful plantation of Ulster.
- Ninety-nine people were on board the ship that left Rathmullan in 1607
- Rory O’Donnell of Donegal and Hugh O’Neill of Tyrone were among those who left. They both died in Rome.