O'Donnell Clan Gathering '05

Red Hugh O’Donnell, 19th Lord of Tyrconnel died on the 5th July 1505 in Donegal Castle at the age of 78 and 44th year of his reign. This was the man who in 1474 had the castle and Abbey built in Donegal Town and to a great extent was responsible for establishing the town of Donegal.

 We, the O’Donnell Clan Association, intend commemorating this event with a Clan Gathering in Donegal Town commencing on the 2nd of July 2005. 

The itinerary has not yet been finalised by our committee but it’s quite likely to follow the pattern of previous Clan Gatherings.

   ·        Opening (about 7.30 pm) in the castle or hotel with finger food, harps, pipes, flag raising ceremony (in the Diamond), speeches,  a talk on  some aspect of O’Donnell history, some music, display of O’Donnell photos and genealogical charts, finishing about midnight with  'O’Donnell  Abu' and our 'National Anthem.' 

    ·        Tour of the county, visiting places with O’Donnell connections – Conwal Graveyard, Lifford Centre, Gartan, Doon Rock, Kilmacrennan Abbey, Rathmullan and returning to Donegal Town by nightfall. 

    ·        Tour the west – Glencolmcille, Rosses – dinner in Danny Minnie’s with some local artists performing. Returning to Donegal by bedtime. 

    ·        Visit castle and abbey. Trip on waterbus. Meet in hotel for ‘Open Forum.’         Banquet.

    The Donegal Community Chamber are planning further events along these lines–

walk to Belshade or around the town 
concert with Irish flavour (we had a great one in 1980)
pageant (1956 I think was the last) or play with O’Donnell theme
unveiling a memorial to Red Hugh
traditional Irish music in pubs

talk on genealogy, irish dress through the ages or some other aspect of irish history

Here are some contact facilities –

 Vincent O’Donnell, Secretary O’Donnell Clan Association, Inver, Co. Donegal

 tel.: (+ 353) 074 97 36059

e-mail: vodonnell@eircom.net

web: www.odonnellclan.com

Donegal Town Community Chamber, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

tel.: (+ 353) 074 97 23760

e-mail: development@donegaltown.ie

web: www.donegaltown.ie

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List of accommodation in and around Donegal Town

Expect to pay, on average,  €40 per person per night for B&B. As most activities will take place in the Central Hotel or about the Diamond(town centre), be aware that some of the accommodations listed are some distance(up to a mile) away.

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