Gathering of the clans Festival 18 - 26 June

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.

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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

www.midulstercouncil.org/gathering

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The Gathering 2016

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

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

www.midulstercouncil.org/gathering

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Gathering C l a ns of the

www.midulstercouncil.org/gathering