Gathering of the clans Festival 18 - 26 June

The Gathering 2016

Gatheringo f t h e C lans

#gatheringoftheclanswww.midulstercouncil.org/gathering

Saturday 18 – Sunday 26 June

Two ancient sites.One noble clan.

2 Gathering of the Clans 2016 www.midulstercouncil.org/gathering 3

The Gathering 2016 The Gathering 2016

Two ancient sites. One noble clan.

Gathering o f t h e C lans

Tullaghoge FortOn 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.

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 Hill of the O’NeillWhile 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.

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.

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.

Saturday 18 June

Guided Tours in the Sperrins

In the Footsteps of O’Neill

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.

• Bus departs Burnavon, Cookstown at 9am • Bus returns Burnavon, Cookstown at 2.15pm

To book contact Burnavon Box OfficeT: 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.

• Bus departs Mid Ulster District Council, Dungannon Office at 3pm• Bus returns to Mid Ulster District Council, Dungannon Office at 6pm

To book contact Ranfurly House Box OfficeT: 028 8772 8600 or online www.dungannon.info. Tickets: £5

Monday 20 June

Hugh O’Neill, Commemorating 400 years

History Evening Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon

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.

Chaired by: Dr Malachy Ó Néill, Ulster University

Speakers:Dr James O’Neill, University College CorkThe Nine Years’ War in Ireland and the Military Revolution

Dr Hiram Morgan, University College CorkEnemy of England: The Career of Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone

Míchéal MacCraith - NUI Galway and Collegio S. Isidoro, RomeBeatrice Cenci, Caravaggio and Hugh O’Neill

To book contact Ranfurly House Box OfficeT: 028 8772 8600 or online www.dungannon.infoTime: 7pm. Tickets: £3

The Gathering 2016The Gathering 2016


Monday 20 June – Friday 24 June

Educational Tours

Tullaghoge Fort

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.

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.

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.

Tuesday 21 June

Celebrating World Music Day

Mid Summer SolsticeBeaghmore 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.

• Bus departs Burnavon, Cookstown at 6.30pm• Bus returns Burnavon, Cookstown at 8.30pm

To book contact Burnavon Box Office T: 028 8676 9949 or online www.burnavon.com [Booking Essential]Tickets: £10



Thursday 23 June

The Priests in Concert

In St Patrick’s Church, DungannonAccompanied by Ruth McGinley

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: St Patrick’s Church, DungannonTime: 7.30pm Tickets: £10

To book contact Ranfurly House Box OfficeT: 028 8772 8600 or online www.dungannon.info


Wednesday 22 June

The Rebel Crown

The Burnavon, CookstownWritten & performed by Owen O’Neill

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.

Venue: The Burnavon, CookstownTime: 8pmTickets: £13 / £11 concession

To book contact the Burnavon Box Office T: 028 8676 9949 or online www.burnavon.com


The Gathering 2016

Sunday 26 June

Family Fun Day

Hill of the O’Neill, Dungannon and Ranfurly Arts and Visitor Centre

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: 2pm-5pm Admission: Free

The Gathering 2016


Friday 24 June

Sounds of the Clans

Music, Song, Dance and Drama The Burnavon, Cookstown

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.

Time: 8pmTickets: £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: 7.30pmTickets: £15 (includes food & entertainment)

To book contact Ranfurly House Box Office T: 028 8772 8600 or online www.dungannon.info

Gathering o f t h e C lans

www.midulstercouncil.org/gathering

Gathering of the clans Festival 18 - 26 June

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