The Abbey of Donegal, built in 1474 celebrates its 550th anniversary this year. This ancient Franciscan convent which has a tragic history linked to Donegal and the O'Donnell family who ruled the land of Tír Chonaill for nearly 400 years. By gifting the land and the fishing rights to the Franciscans, the O'Donnell's created a place of piety and learning as well as a place of rest for many of the Donegal chieftains. It was also here that the young Red Hugh O'Donnell was educated and the Four Masters wrote the first history of Ireland.

On the tour you will hear about how the young prince was kidnapped by the English and imprisoned in Dublin castle before his dramatic escape back to Donegal where he was then crowned the 'The O'Donnell'. The Abbey was later to be overrun by the English and Red Hugh O'Donnell's army had to lay siege to the Abbey until the arrival of the Spanish Armada at Kinsale in 1601.

The destruction of the Abbey and the demise of the Gaelic chieftains at Kinsale was followed by the Flight of the Earls and the Plantation of Ulster when the English crown decided that the only way to keep control of Ireland would be to “plant” the confiscated lands with English soldier, farmers and landlords.

No pre-booking is required. Come along and enjoy this amazing story of the Abbey of Donegal and the part it played in the history of Ireland.

Address
Abbey of Donegal, Co. Donegal