We March On Kinsale! - Heritage Week reenactment at Donegal Castle

With Donegal Town celebrating its 550th anniversary this year, Heritage Week is the perfect time to engage with the town’s history and culture. 

Lady Nuala and the first Red Hugh O’Donnell are intrinsically linked to the town. Lady Nuala founded the Franciscan Abbey - known today at the Old Abbey or the Abbey Cemetery - in 1474. Her husband Red Hugh O’Donnell had the castle built at around the same time, and these events marked the beginning of the settlement which has gone  on to become Donegal Town. 

It was 127 later when the second Red Hugh O’Donnell and his allies marched to Kinsale in a bid to attack English troops and curb the growing control that the crown had on Ireland. 

Unfortunately, the attempt failed and this became a major turning point in Irish history, leading eventually to the Flight of The Earls in 1607, and the end of the old Gaelic order. 

The team at Donegal Castle are kicking off a packed Heritage Week Programme with a reenactment, and everyone is invited to come along. 

A spokesperson said: “Come meet Red Hugh’s troops on the eve of their famous march. Learn about the route taken and the O’Donnell connections to Europe following their defeat.”

The event takes place at Donegal Castle on Saturday, August 17 from 11am to 4pm.

A pullout programme of all Heritage Week events in the county can be found in all our Donegal Titles this week - Donegal Democrat Tuesday and Thursday editions, Letterkenny Live, Donegal Post and Inish Times