Two ancient sites. One noble clan.

The Gathering 2016
Gathering
C l a ns
of the
Two ancient sites.
One noble clan.
Saturday 18 –
Sunday 26 June
#gatheringoftheclans
www.midulstercouncil.org/gathering
The Gathering 2016
Gathering
C l a ns
The Gathering 2016
of the
Two ancient sites. One noble clan.
Join us for the Gathering of the Clans, and explore a unique
part of the history and heritage of the Mid Ulster region,
in this the year which also marks the 400th anniversary of
the death of Hugh ‘The Great’ O’Neill, the last Chieftain to
be inaugurated at Tullaghoge Fort and the last Earl of Tyrone
and Baron of Dungannon to bear the title of “The O’Neill”.
From Saturday 18th to Sunday 26th June, Tullaghoge Fort,
Cookstown and the Hill of the O’Neill, Dungannon will be
at the heart of a series of events, from historical tours and
talks to dramatic re-enactments and performances that
commemorate the life of Hugh O’Neill, and tell the story
of the shaping of the history, landscape and heritage of
the region by the O’Neills and the great family names
who were born and lived there.
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Gathering of the Clans 2016
Tullaghoge Fort
The Hill of the O’Neill
On an imposing hilltop encircled by trees
stands Tullaghoge Fort, testimony to
Tyrone’s illustrious past. Located midway
between Cookstown and Stewartstown
just outside the village of Tullyhogue,
this ringfort can be seen for miles around
and commands an extensive view of the
surrounding countryside.
While Tullaghoge Fort would remain central
to the inauguration rituals and traditions of
the O’Neills, by the end of the 13th Century
King Brian O’Neill would re-establish his
military headquarters in Dungannon. The
first stone castle was erected on the Hill in
Dungannon by King Domnall O’Neill in the
14th century. By the second half of the
sixteenth century both the English and Irish
alike recognised the lordship of Tyrone as
the pre-eminent political entity in Ireland.
It was on this hilltop enclosure that the
ruling members of each generation of
the O’Neills were inaugurated from the
11th century to the end of the 16th
century. The inauguration ceremony gave
the individual the right to bear the title
“The O’Neill”, head of the family that had
ruled for centuries over ancient Tyrone - an
area significantly larger than that covered
by the modern county of the same name.
The O’Neill’s founded their headquarters
at Tullaghoge early in the 11th century and it continued as the ceremonial seat
of the kings up until the inauguration of
Hugh “The Great” O’Neill in 1595.
The commanding views of the surrounding
countryside ensured that the castle in
Dungannon would become a strong,
strategic location for the increasingly
powerful O’Neills.
Dungannon would remain central to
the O’Neill dynasty up until The Flight of
The Earls in 1607, when Hugh O Neill,
accompanied by the Earl of Tyrconnell and
over ninety of their followers, set sail from
Donegal, bound for Spain. Hugh O’Neill
never returned to his native land and later
died in Rome in 1616.
www.midulstercouncil.org/gathering
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The Gathering 2016
The Gathering 2016
Saturday 18 June
Monday 20 June
Guided Tours
in the Sperrins
Hugh O’Neill,
Commemorating 400 years
In the Footsteps of O’Neill
History Evening
Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon
Follow in the footsteps of the O’Neill on this hillwalking
tour across the heather-clad slopes of the Sperrins. From
Broughderg the group will set off on a linear walk which
will take in key points of the Sperrins. Discover the romantic
landscapes, rich history and heritage of the region. Please wear
suitable clothing and footwear and bring a packed lunch.
This evening of short talks will mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Hugh O’Neill, the last Gaelic Chieftain of Ulster. Each presentation will be delivered by an international
scholar in this field, illustrating the history of the O’Neill dynasty, the period of the Nine
Years’ War and the subsequent Flight of the Earls in 1607.
• Bus departs Burnavon, Cookstown at 9am
• Bus returns Burnavon, Cookstown at 2.15pm
To book contact Burnavon Box Office
T: 028 8676 9949 (option 1). Tickets: £5
Tour of Battle of the Yellow Ford site,
Benburb by Antaine Ó Donnaile
Antaine is a historian, academic and award winning television
producer, responsible for the Irish Film and Television Awards
nominated documentary series, ‘The Flight of the Earls’,
starring Stephen Rea. Join Antaine on the site of The Battle
of the Yellow Ford (1598) and find out why this battle was of
such historical significance. Hear the story of how the Earl of
Tyrone, who pitted his forces against Henry Bagenal, close
to the River Blackwater, and the tactics employed, which
lead to the Earl being hailed as a successful military leader
in many parts of Europe at the time.
•
•
Chaired by:
Dr Malachy Ó Néill, Ulster University
Speakers:
Dr James O’Neill, University College Cork
The Nine Years’ War in Ireland and the Military Revolution
Dr Hiram Morgan, University College Cork
Enemy of England: The Career of Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone
Bus departs Mid Ulster District Council, Dungannon
Office at 3pm
Bus returns to Mid Ulster District Council, Dungannon Office at 6pm
Míchéal MacCraith - NUI Galway and Collegio S. Isidoro, Rome
Beatrice Cenci, Caravaggio and Hugh O’Neill
To book contact Ranfurly House Box Office
T: 028 8772 8600 or online www.dungannon.info
Time: 7pm. Tickets: £3
To book contact Ranfurly House Box Office
T: 028 8772 8600 or online www.dungannon.info.
Tickets: £5
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Gathering of the Clans 2016
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The Gathering 2016
The Gathering 2016
Monday 20 June – Friday 24 June
Tuesday 21 June
Educational Tours
Celebrating World Music Day
As part of the celebrations Mid Ulster District Council will be running Schools
Educational Tours to Tullaghoge Fort and the Hill of The O’Neill throughout
the week.
Tullaghoge Fort
Mid Summer Solstice
Beaghmore Stone Circles
Mark the Summer Solstice with music at the mystical Beaghmore Stone Circles. Learn about
the history and significance of the stones, enjoy music of the ages to celebrate World Music
Day, followed by light refreshments.
Key Stage 2 pupils, most of whom took part in ‘The Big
Dig’ in 2014, have been invited back to Tullaghoge Fort to
see the development and progress made at the site since
their last school visit.
Pupils will re-visit the site of ‘The Big Dig’ and then be
given a guided tour along the new interpretive route
leading to the Fort. The educational tours will be facilitated
by Brian Sloan (Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork,
Queens University, Belfast) and have been timetabled over
4 days, taking in 14 schools in total.
Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House:
Warrior School!
Key Stage 2 pupils will take part in Living History and
Art workshops. The children will learn about the life of
a warrior in Gaelic and Tudor times, and then they will
create the armour and weapons used in the late 16th
and early 17th centuries. Two school groups will
participate each day.
• Bus departs Burnavon, Cookstown at 6.30pm
• Bus returns Burnavon, Cookstown at 8.30pm
Both sites are open throughout the year.
For further information on guided tours and
educational days out contact Cookstown Visitor
Information Centre on 028 8676 9949 or Hill of
The O’Neill and Ranfurly House on 028 8772 8600.
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To book contact Burnavon Box Office
T: 028 8676 9949 or online www.burnavon.com [Booking Essential]
Tickets: £10
Gathering of the Clans 2016
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The Gathering 2016
Wednesday 22 June
Thursday 23 June
The Rebel Crown
The Priests in Concert
The Burnavon, Cookstown
Written & performed by Owen O’Neill
In St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon
Accompanied by Ruth McGinley
The Rebel Crown is a poetic history of the extraordinary, turbulent life of Red Hugh O’Neill,
Earl of Tyrone, written by award winning actor and writer, Owen O’Neill.
The Priests – the acclaimed tenor trio of Fathers Martin O’Hagan, Eugene O’Hagan
and David Delargy – bring an unforgettable evening of classical music to Dungannon.
They will be accompanied by Derry-born pianist, Ruth McGinley, and supported by Gemma
Prince, Soprano and Northern Ireland Opera Young Artist; and classical singers, Cantabelles.
Compered by Noel Thompson.
Venue: The Burnavon, Cookstown
Time:8pm
Tickets: £13 / £11 concession
Venue: St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon
Time:
7.30pm
Tickets: £10
To book contact the Burnavon Box Office
T: 028 8676 9949 or online www.burnavon.com
To book contact Ranfurly House Box Office
T: 028 8772 8600 or online www.dungannon.info
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Gathering of the Clans 2016
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The Gathering 2016
Friday 24 June
Sunday 26 June
Sounds of the Clans
Family Fun Day
Music, Song, Dance and Drama
The Burnavon, Cookstown
Hill of the O’Neill, Dungannon and
Ranfurly Arts and Visitor Centre
A night of music, song, dance and drama to celebrate the
culture, heritage and talent of the local area. Featuring the
following acts; David Bell & Oonagh Derby, Stewartstown
Amateur Dramatic Society, Kathryn & Mairead O’Neill,
Derrytresk Scor Group, Cannyman Community Arts
(Galbally), Blue Thistle Highland Dancers and Sperrin Choir.
Mums, dads, kids, grandparents and all the family, come along for an afternoon of fun
activities on the Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitors Centre. Guided
tours of the Flight of the Earls and Plantation of Ulster Exhibition will be available onsite,
as well as the opportunity to view the lands of O’Neill from a new 360° viewing tower.
Entertainment on site for the kids (big and small) includes Krazy Karts, Hip Hop, a carousel
and bungee trampoline.
Time:8pm
Tickets:£5
To book contact Burnavon Box Office
T: 028 8676 9949 or online www.burnavon.com
Saturday 25 June
O’Neill’s Noble Feast
Living History Banquet
Hill of the O’Neill, Dungannon
A banquet commemorating the 400th anniversary of the
death of Hugh O’Neill. Enjoy music, song and dance with
living history characters transporting visitors back in time.
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £15 (includes food & entertainment)
Time:
2pm-5pm
Admission: Free
To book contact Ranfurly House Box Office
T: 028 8772 8600 or online www.dungannon.info
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Gathering of the Clans 2016
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Gathering
C l a ns
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www.midulstercouncil.org/gathering