The Flight of the Earls: How One Night Changed Ireland Forever

"The Flight of the Earls: How One Night Changed Ireland Forever" takes you deep into one of the most pivotal events in Irish history. In this video, we uncover the dramatic story of how, on a single night in 1607, two powerful Gaelic lords—Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, and Rory O’Donnell, Earl of Tyrconnell—left Ireland, marking the end of the Gaelic order and opening the door to English colonization. We’ll explore the political tensions and cultural struggles that led to their exile, the impact of their departure on the Irish people, and the long-lasting effects of English rule in Ireland, including the Plantation of Ulster. This historical event not only shaped Ireland’s past but also laid the foundations for centuries of conflict. Join us as we dive into the consequences and legacy of the Flight of the Earls, a turning point that continues to echo in Irish history today.


By Willie Duffin, CC BY-SA 2.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13503203