flight of the earls heritage centre

The Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre is located along the harbour. The last two great Celtic chieftains, Hugh O'Donnell and Hugh O'Neill are commemorated here. They departed Ireland from Rathmullan Harbour in 1607 after their defeat at Kinsale by the forces of Elizabeth I under Mountjoy in 1601. This was a real turning point in Irish history, because the death of Celtic Ireland and its Brehon Laws rapidly followed their departure. The repressive laws, confiscations of lands and massive plantations which followed during the 17th century, eliminated the clan system and put most of Ireland under an English system of government.