In 1607 Hugh O’Neill and Rory O’Donnell, the High Kings of Ulster, sailed from Ireland for continental Europe, never to return. The consequences of the ‘Flight of the Earls’ were profound: its sequel was the Plantation of Ulster, the renaming of Derry as Londonderry, the building of its city walls in 1613 and mass emigration from Ireland.

Hugo O’Neill, the current head of his family name, is Portuguese and lives in Setúbal. He will speak of the history and culture of Ireland leading up to the events of 400 years ago. The music will include some of Beethoven’s numerous settings of Irish traditional songs for voice and string trio written exactly 200 years ago. This evening of words, music and refreshment promises to be both relaxed and informal as well as engaging and informative.

The Return Flight of the Earls
Wednesday 10 July 2013 7.30pm
Venue: St Botolph’s

In association St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the City of London Festival website.