Ancient Clans – The Donegal Gathering!
Exploring The O’Neills and Ancient Clans Heritage
Participants came together 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 aimed to strengthen links between participants, through networking and visits to strategic clan sites.
The visit included 15 participants each from Mid Ulster, Donegal, and Monaghan with an interest in ancient clan history and heritage.
Once participants arrived in Letterkenny the following was provided:
- Hotel accommodation provided for Mid Ulster and Monaghan participants only.
- Evening Dinner – all participants (Mid Ulster, Donegal and Monaghan)
- Coach: from Letterkenny to Rathmullen – all participants (Mid Ulster, Donegal and Monaghan)
- Walking Tour Rathmullen – The Flight of the Earls – all participants (Mid Ulster, Donegal and Monaghan)
- Lunch – The Brewery Bar, Market Square, Letterkenny – all participants (Mid Ulster, Donegal and Monaghan)
- Site visit The Battle of Farsetmore (1567) – all participants (Mid Ulster, Donegal and Monaghan)
The programme was 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 Participants travel independently and meet at Dillons Hotel, Letterkenny.
Dillons hotel, 29-45 Upper Main Street, Letterkenny,: +353 (0) 74 9122977 - Overnight accommodation (B&B for Mid Ulster and Monaghan participants only)
- 15:00 – 18:00
- Overview of the Ancient Clans programme and website.
- Participants Showcase & Networking event
- The O’Neills and Ancient Clans – Dr Brian Lacey, archaeologist and historian, expert on Irish history and culture.
- 19:00 – 21:00 Dinner (all participants: Mid Ulster, Donegal and Monaghan)
Talk on the O’Neills, O’Donnells and Battles of Letterkenny:- 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 Coach Departure for Rathmullen (all participants Mid Ulster, Donegal and Monaghan)
- 10:00 – 12:00 Guided Walking Tour “The Flight of the Earls”
- 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 The Brewery Bar, Market Square, Letterkenny
- 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 Participants departure
Event Highlights
- Participants Showcase & Networking event
- Dr Brian Lacey, archaeologist and historian
- Talk on the Battles of Letterkenny: Farsetmore, Glenmaquin and Scarrifsholis
- Rathmullen Guided Walking Tour “The Flight of the Earls”
- Site Visit Battle of Farsetmore
e your place and be part of this unique journey into our shared Irish heritage!
