Exploring The O’Neills and Ancient Clans
Join us in Letterkenny, Donegal 28 & 29 November 2025 for a special event celebrating The O’Neill’s and Ancient Clans and to explore our shared heritage. The Donegal gathering will strengthen links between participants, through networking and visits to strategic clan sites.
The visit is open to 15 participants each from Mid Ulster, Donegal, and Monaghan with an interest in ancient clan history and heritage.
There is no cost to participants as the programme is funded under PEACEPLUS through Mid Ulster District Council and managed by The Rural Centre.
Event Dates
Letterkenny, Donegal – Friday 28 & Saturday 29 November 2025
Friday 28 November – Letterkenny
- 14:30 Meet at the hotel Letterkenny (TBC). Participants travel independently.
- 15:00 – 18:00 Overview of the Ancient Clans programme and website.
- Participants Showcase & Networking event
- 19:00 – 21:00 Dinner and Talk
- The Battles of Letterkenny
- Farsetmore 1567, Glenmaquin 1642, Scarrifsholis 1650
- Clans: Including O’Neill, O’Donnell, O’Reilly, O’Cahan, O’Gallagher, O’Boyle, O’Friel, MacMahon, MacSweeney, McGinleys, Magennis
Saturday 29 November – Rathmullen & Letterkenny
- 09:00 – 13:00 Rathmullen
- Walking Tour “The Flight of the Earls”
- Explore The Kidnap of Red Hugh, The Abbey, and Flight of the Earls
- 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
- 14:00 – 17:00 Letterkenny
- Site visit The Battle of Farsetmore (1567)
- A significant conflict between the O’Neill and O’Donnell clans, pivotal in the struggle for Ulster’s dominance.
- 17:00 Return to Letterkenny and participants departure
Event Highlights
- Participants showcase & Networking event
- Talk on the Battles of Letterkenny: Farsetmore, Glenmaquin and Scarrifsholis
- Rathmullen Walking Tour “The Flight of the Earls”
- Site Visit Battle of Scarrifholis
How to Register
Places are limited to 15 participants per area (Donegal, Monaghan, Mid Ulster)
Email: heather@theruralcentre.co.uk
Online: Application Form
Secure your place and be part of this unique journey into our shared Irish heritage!
