Churchyard Tour with Dr Tom Neill

15 August 2025, 11:00, Donaghadee

As part of the 2025 Donaghadee Ulster-Scots Festival, join Dr Tom Neill for a churchyard tour.

Visit the graves and hear some of the stories surrounding the earliest Ulster-Scots settlers.

Event organised by Donaghadee Historical Society.

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Donaghadee was the main port of entry for Scottish settlers moving to Ulster when Hugh Montgomery arrived in May 1606. The Hamilton and Montgomery Settlement was the first permanent, large-scale Scottish settlement in Ireland and it was these settlers who would first be described (in 1640) as “Ulster-Scots”. This three-day festival celebrates the town’s strong Ulster-Scots connection through talks, food music, and dance.

Unless otherwise stated, events will take place in a tented village erected in the former Translink site (Old Bus Station, near Donaghadee Community Centre, The Parade, Donaghadee, Co Down, BT21 0HF). 

Entry to the festival is free.