Introducing Rathmullan
The refined little port of Rathmullan (Ráth Maoláin) has a tranquillity about it that belies the momentous events that took place here from the 16th to 18th centuries. In 1587, Hugh O’Donnell, the 15-year-old heir to the powerful O’Donnell clan, was tricked into boarding a ship here and taken to Dublin as a prisoner. He escaped four years later on Christmas Eve and, after unsuccessful attempts at revenge, died in Spain, aged only 30. In 1607, despairing of fighting the English, Hugh O’Neill, the earl of Tyrone, and Rory O’Donnell, the earl of Tyrconnel, boarded a ship in Rathmullan harbour and left Ireland for good. This decisive act, known as the Flight of the Earls, marked the effective end of Gaelic Ireland and the rule of Irish chieftains. Large-scale confiscation of their estates took place, preparing for the Plantation of Ulster with settlers from Britain. Also in Rathmullan, Wolfe Tone, leader of the 1798 Rising, was captured.
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Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
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Re: mother-daughter trip; 12 days
by risingphoenix 08 August 2009
Hi, I agree with the previous post, you will end up spending far too much time in the car! Travelling from Shannon to Cork will take…
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RE: Honeymoon in Ireland and need help
by vodkajihad 07 August 2008
Definitely worth renting a car. It's cheap and just way better for freedom and stuff. I haven't read #1, as I wanted to give my thoughts…
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Looking for a couple quiet, scenic spots to spend 2-4 days
by titodog 26 August 2007
I can heartily recommend County Donegal for a break away from it all. Its probably got the wildest scenery in Ireland, and is seldom overcro…
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