Episode twenty-two of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to Rathmullan - a coastal village on the shores of Lough Swilly whose story spans centuries of Irish history. My guest is local historian and guide Deirdra Friel, who helps trace Rathmullan’s remarkable past - from the legacy of the McSweeneys and the Abbey to its surprising links with figures like Davy Crockett. We explore the dramatic kidnap of Red Hugh O’Donnell and the Flight of the Earls, events that changed the course of Ireland’s story, before turning to the turbulence of 1798, when Wolfe Tone and the French fleet appeared off the Donegal coast. Moving into the twentieth century, Deirdra also sheds light on Rathmullan’s connection to the First World War, the arrival of the Grand Fleet, and the enduring mystery of the HMS Saldanha. This is more than a tale of one village — it’s a journey through rebellion, resilience, and remembrance on the edge of the Atlantic. Donegal Heritage Trails: donegalheritagetrails.com Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.comFacebook: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypod

<description>&lt;p&gt;Episode twenty-two of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to Rathmullan - a coastal village on the shores of Lough Swilly whose story spans centuries of Irish history.&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt;My guest is local historian and guide Deirdra Friel, who helps trace Rathmullan’s remarkable past - from the legacy of the McSweeneys and the Abbey to its surprising links with figures like Davy Crockett. We explore the dramatic kidnap of Red Hugh O’Donnell and the Flight of the Earls, events that changed the course of Ireland’s story, before turning to the turbulence of 1798, when Wolfe Tone and the French fleet appeared off the Donegal coast.&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt;Moving into the twentieth century, Deirdra also sheds light on Rathmullan’s connection to the First World War, the arrival of the Grand Fleet, and the enduring mystery of the HMS &lt;em&gt;Saldanha&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;br&gt;This is more than a tale of one village — it’s a journey through rebellion, resilience, and remembrance on the edge of the Atlantic.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Donegal Heritage Trails: donegalheritagetrails.com&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt;Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Facebook: Pieces of History podcast&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Episode twenty-two of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to Rathmullan - a coastal village on the shores of Lough Swilly whose story spans centuries of Irish history.

My guest is local historian and guide Deirdra Friel, who helps trace Rathmullan's remarkable past - from the legacy of the McSweeneys and the Abbey to its surprising links with figures like Davy Crockett. We explore the dramatic kidnap of Red Hugh O'Donnell and the Flight of the Earls, events that changed the course of Ireland's story, before turning to the turbulence of 1798, when Wolfe Tone and the French fleet appeared off the Donegal coast.

Moving into the twentieth century, Deirdra also sheds light on Rathmullan's connection to the First World War, the arrival of the Grand Fleet, and the enduring mystery of the HMS Saldanha.
This is more than a tale of one village — it's a journey through rebellion, resilience, and remembrance on the edge of the Atlantic.

Donegal Heritage Trails: donegalheritagetrails.com

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Pieces of History

From Red Hugh to the Grand Fleet - Stories of Rathmullan

From Red Hugh to the Grand Fleet - Stories of Rathmullan

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