The Flight of the Earls – 14 September 1607

The Flight of the Earls, on 14 September 1607, was one of the darkest days in Irish history. Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, Rory O’Donnell, Earl of Tyrconnell, and about 90 followers, including soldiers, priests, and their families, boarded a ship from Rathmullan in Donegal, leaving Ireland forever. Their departure marked the end of the old Gaelic order and a devastating loss for Ireland.

For centuries, the Gaelic chiefs had defended their lands and culture against foreign control. But after the crushing defeat at the Battle of Kinsale (1601) and mounting pressure from English authorities, the Earls faced a grim choice: submit entirely to the Crown or leave in exile. They chose exile.

Their departure left Ulster leaderless, creating a power vacuum that the English quickly exploited. Lands once held by generations of Irish families were confiscated and handed over to English and Scottish settlers in what became known as the Plantation of Ulster. This was not just a land grab—it was a systematic attempt to dismantle Gaelic society and culture.

The Flight of the Earls was more than just the leaving of noble leaders. It symbolized a turning point where Ireland’s sovereignty was further stripped, and centuries of Gaelic heritage were threatened. Yet, despite the loss of leaders and lands, the Irish spirit endured. Stories of defiance, resilience, and the memory of the Gaelic chiefs lived on in folklore, song, and history.

Today, the Flight of the Earls is remembered not only as a tragedy but as a symbol of Ireland’s enduring pride and resilience. The Earls may have left, but Ireland’s spirit, culture, and identity survived and continues to thrive.