Spanish Armada experience to form part of Heritage Week in south-west Donegal

A heritage week event taking place later this month will give an experience of the Spanish Armada. 

Re-enactment walk through the stunning landscape of the Sheskinmore Nature Reserve, south-west Donegal, retracing the footsteps of the 900 survivors who survived the wrecking of La Duquesa Santa Ana, when it was shipwrecked off Loughros Peninsula in September 1588. 

The unique characteristic of our event is that it is initially one of survival, hope and courage when the crew finally made landfall near Rosbeg, having spent almost five months at sea. Many Armada ships had been damaged as a result of the raging battles in the English Channel and the storms encountered since leaving Iberia. 

Their crews were exhausted, hungry, storm-worn, injured, diseased and certainly not dressed for the weather in the Atlantic. Our story involves three other Armada ships, two of which, La Rata Santa Maria Encoronada from the Levant squadron and most likely the San Nicolas Prodaneli, both of which were wrecked off the North Mayo Coast. One of the central characters in our story is Don Alonso de Leyva, second-in-command of the entire Armada fleet. 

We will trace the survivors as they scrambled ashore and set up camp on Tramore Beach and at O’Boyle’s Castle, Kiltoorish Island and ultimately their long march to Killybegs, aided by MacSweeney Clan, where La Girona was anchored, which was viewed as their hope of returning to Spain. 

A 16th century style historical encampment will be situated at the NPWS McGlinchey’s Field Centre hosting an exhibition on the 'Reasons for War'. Non-walkers are welcome to come to the McGlinchey Field Centre.

The event will offer people fresh air, entertainment, a cultural, social, landscape and human history experience. Bus transfers from Kilclooney Dolmen centre to Rosbeg Pier where we will have a wreath laying ceremony at the Footprint Memorial Stone citing ‘the first steps on Donegal soil of the survivors of La Duquesa Santa Ana’. Walk is approximately 7k. 

Walking along road to Tramore beach and onto Sheskinmore Nature Reserve to the McGlinchey Field Centre. 

We will be exploring the flora and fauna of the area along the way. We will explore the social, human, military and maritime history of the late 16th century at the encampment through interactive and inter-generational orientated activities, while the exhibition (funded by EYCH Grant 2018) gives a snapshot of the period. Bring a picnic. 

Bus transfers back to Kilclooney Dolmen Centre at end of the day. Our event highlights the resurgence in interest in the Spanish Armada in Ireland following the recent discoveries of shipwrecks at Streedagh, Co Sligo and the publication of The Spanish Armada in County Donegal (2023).

Diver's Centra will sponsor fruit; Bows and Wreaths will sponsor the wreath for the ceremony at the Spanish Armada Footprint memorial stone on Rosbeg Pier. Kieran Kennedy will perform on the Uilleann Pipes during the ceremony.

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This event takes place on Sunday, 17th August. Registration is essential.  €15 per person, limited to 60 people. Book by August 12th. Email [email protected] or telephone 087 9214214206. Registration at Kilclooney Dolmen Centre (F94 DN83) from 10.30 – 11.00 am.  

Bus departs Dolmen Centre at 11.00 am.  Wreath laying ceremony at Rosbeg Pier at 11.30 am.  Walk starts at 12.30 pm arriving at McGlinchey’s House at 3.30 pm.  Return bus to Dolmen Centre at 5.00pm.  All times approximate. Bring a packed lunch.