Dungannon 2007
A Year of Celebration to mark the 400th anniversary of the
Flight of the Earls
and the
Plantation of Ulster
Why 2007?
Through the Return of the Earls initiative, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council plans to celebrate in 2007 the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls and the subsequent Plantation of Ulster by hosting a series of musical, theatrical, community, sporting and historical events.
The highlight of the year will be the reopening of the ancient site of the O'Neill's Fort at the top of Castle Hill, which has been closed to public access for many years.
Links have also been forged with Donegal County Council to collate a series of cross border events that celebrate our shared history and shared future.
What's On?
In partnership with the local community and other neighbouring Councils, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council will host a series of events to include:
- Flight of the Earls Conference
- Charlie Donnelly Winter School
- Dash of Scotch Street Run
- Brass in the Valley
- Mayor's Pageant
- Branny Ramble
- Bush Road Races
- Musical Concert at Dungannon Park
- Picnic in the Park
- O'Neill/Plantation Living History Exhibition
- Parnell -- the Legacy in East Tyrone
- Felix McCullough Road Race
- Halloween Spooktacular
- Christmas Lights Switch-On
- Festive Food Fayre
- Christmas Craft Fayre
& lots more historical, theatrical, sporting and community events. See local press for further details and the forthcoming Dungannon 2007 events guide.
Be Part of It!
Becoming involved in the Dungannon 2007 celebrations is only limited by the imagination.
Whether you are a community group with a unique idea for an event next year, or a theatre group who wishes to stage a particular piece of drama or perhaps another organisation that shares an anniversary in 2007, we would be delighted to include your event in all of our promotions. Or simply come along to one of the events listed and enjoy!
The overall aim is to put together an action packed year of events that will serve all of our local community, and to create some large scale events to attract visitors from further afield to South Tyrone.
Shared History
The Flight of the Earls is recognised as a key turning point in Irish history as it paved the way for the Plantation of Ulster.
Sir Arthur Chichester (Lord Deputy) was anxious that England acquire a greater share of land in Ireland and wanted to impose English law in the Province of Ulster. Plans were made by the Clans, principally the O'Donnell's & the O'Neill's to seek aid from their allies, the Royal Family and government of Spain to prevent this.
In late August 1607, a Breton vessel anchored off Rathmullan in Donegal. O'Neill travelled immediately to his castle in Dungannon before continuing overnight with his family to Rathmullan where he was joined by the O'Donnells. 99 men, women & children, the Gaelic aristocracy of Ulster, then set sail for Spain.
The departure of the two principal Irish Chieftains from Rathmullan in September 1607 became known as the Flight of the Earls. Although they hoped to secure aid from the King of Spain (who had sent the vessel) & return to Ireland to reclaim their lands & power this was not to happen.
Planning for the Ulster Plantation got underway shortly after The Flight of the Earls in September 1607. The Flight of the Earls and the subsequent Plantation of Ulster four hundred years ago chartered the course of Irish history until the present day.
Shared Future
2007 is set to be a year of celebration right across the Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough as it marks the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls and the beginning of the Plantation of Ulster. This occasion presents a unique opportunity to acknowledge our 'Shared History and Shared Future'
A small amount of funding is available to support community events. To apply, contact Council's Community Development section on 028 8772 0300.
