Ulster Scots - Monreagh Heritage Centre - Ulster Scots - Scots Irish

Sam Fletcher: Farming, School & Poetry. Growing up in Donegal
Local man, Sam Fletcher, grew up on a farm near Letterkenny, County Donegal. He attended Glenmaquin National School where he developed an interest in writing poetry. Sam talks about his life on the farm, forges, school, and his love for poetry. He recites...

Bishop Leslie – Raphoe Castle
Although still awaiting restoration, Raphoe Castle is probably the most impressive castle in Donegal. In 1633, John Leslie was translated from the Scottish See of the Isles to become the Bishop of Raphoe. Marrying at the age of 67, absorbing the Bishopric...

THE REDSHANKS IN DONEGAL
Redshank Scottish mercenaries in Donegal
From the middle of the 16th century, a new type of Highland warrior began to appear in Ireland. These mercenaries have been called ‘New Scots’ to distinguish them from the earlier galloglaigh. In the documentation of the time, they are often referred...

The connections between Donegal and Scotland date back millennia. Dozens of archaeological sites across the modern county confirm the presence of prehistoric hunter/foragers following in the wake of the retreat of the glacial ice sheets.
Fish and seafood formed an important part of the diet of these settlers as they established themselves along the shores of Loughs Foyle and Swilly, which they likely first reached by boat, or ‘island hopping’ from Scotland....