The Flight of the Earls 1607-2007
In 2007 Donegal will be the host of a year-long commemoration to mark this dramatic turning point in Irish history. This will be one of the most ambitious projects to be undertaken in Ulster and will be a year to remember for all who visit these shores. Major festivals, clan gatherings, academic conferences and cultural and historical events will take place around Donegal and surrounding counties throughout 2007. Over 60 events are planned so far and this number is growing weekly. If you would like to find out more please contact the Flight of the Earls team email or
Below is a taste of what is coming in 2007. This is only a sample of the events planned and a more concise list will be available on our website which will be up and running very soon. So remember www.flightoftheearls.ie and keep up-to-date with all that is happening in 2007.
Key events
• March 15th – 19th
Flight of the Earls Official national and international programme launch. A weekend of arts, culture and entertainment.
• March 12th - 25th
Brian Freil’s “Making History” Produced by, An Grainnain Theatre in association with award winning production company Ouroboros. This critically acclaimed play brings the characters of FoE to life in a moving and poignant dramatisation.
• April 10th –15th – Letterkenny
Feile Idirnaisiunta Pan Ceilteach.
Celts from the six nations, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany and Ireland will gather for the Pan Celtic Festival extravaganza. is the ideal opportunity to enjoy majestic displays of Celtic dancing, pipe band performances, a colourful street parade and choral performances in all of the Celtic languages.
• June 22nd-24th - Inishowen
McGlinchey Summer School: Inishowen before and after 1607.
Set up in 1998 to explore and explain the traditions and folklore of the north-west and particularly Inishowen. In 2007 the event will focus on the Flight of the Earls and how it effected the region.
• June 28th – 30th – Rossnowlagh
Performance of 17th Century music and poetry in Irish with presentation of popular academic papers in the peaceful and beautiful setting of the Franciscan Friary.
• July 9th – 22nd – Letterkenny
This is Donegal’s premier cultural extravaganza. With a packed programme of diverse musical and theatrical events stretching across north and west Donegal, featuring nearly 100 acts and 30 venues over 14 days, it promises to be an event not to be missed.
• July 6-15 – Donegal Town
Home of the O’Donnell Castle hosts the Flight of the Earls Festival with street entertainment and a list of events including events planned for Donegal Castle and the 15thC Abbey at the pier.
• July 13-15 – Ballyshannon
One of Irelands oldest towns hosts the Flight of the Earls Festival featuring live music, arts, culture, pageantry, seminars and civic presentations.
• August 3-6 - Rathmullan
Flight of the Earls themed Regatta. This community run event has been running for years and is a great weekends entertainment for all age groups.
• August 16th –19th – Letterkenny
International Conference with University of Ulster and LYIT
Historical and cultural debate by Irelands top historians about the effects of the Flight of the Earls in 1607 and how it has shaped modern Ireland and the wider world.
Gala Flight of the Earls EventRathmullan 10th - 16th September 2007
To mark the anniversary of the Flight of the Earls a major week long festival will take place on the picturesque shores of Lough Swilly in the village of Rathmullan, from where two of the last of the true Irish Cheiftains left Ireland never to return. Join us for the 400th commemoration and enjoy a week of entertainment, culture and heritage. Included in this spectacular week of events are:
Land and sea festival
Probably the largest gathering of Clans ever to be held
Exhibitions / Seminars / Tours
Tall Ship departs Rathmullan to re-trace sea-trip of Earls.
Re-enactment of the Departure of the Northern Nobles
Flight of the Earls 1607 – It’s part of you. Be part of it -2007