About this Event
The Trail of the O’Neills
16–18 April 2027
The Trail of the O’Neills brings together guided historical visits, expert talks, heritage sites, local stories, food, music and the opportunity to meet and connect with others who share an interest in O’Neill history and heritage.
Across three days, guests will:
- Visit the spectacular Grianán of Aileach, with a guided tour led by Brian Lacey.
- Explore Fahan Mura and its historic abbey graveyard, with a short talk from Anatine O’Donnaile.
- Enjoy lunch at The Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown.
- Visit Tullyhogue Fort, a site central to the history of the O’Neill dynasty.
- Explore the Hill of O’Neill, with talks and presentations from historians and speakers including Hiram Morgan, Una Walsh, Dwayne and Jon Patrick O’Neill.
- Travel to Benburb for lunch, a talk and guided tour led by James Kane.
- Discover more about your own heritage with a dedicated DNA Corner.
- Enjoy an evening networking dinner featuring arrival drinks, dinner, an after-dinner speech and live music.
- Extend the experience with a further day exploring historic sites across County Derry and County Antrim, including Brian Carrach’s Greenlough Crannog at Innisrush, Dreenan townland, Shane’s Castle and Cranfield Church and Holy Well, with a talk by Thomas McErlean and lunch in Portglenone.
- Conclude the additional day with dinner at The O’Neill Arms Country House Hotel in Toomebridge before returning to Cookstown.
More than a historical tour, The Trail of the O’Neills is an opportunity to experience the places, people and stories behind one of Ireland’s most significant dynasties.
From ancient forts and historic landscapes to expert insights, shared experiences and opportunities to explore your own heritage, the programme offers a unique way to connect with the O’Neill story and others who share your interest.
Day One
🕑: 08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Day One Friday 16 April
Info: Day One – Friday 16 April 2027
Begin the Trail of the O’Neills with a journey through some of the key historic sites connected to the dynasty.
The day includes a guided visit to Grianán of Aileach, led by Brian Lacey, followed by a visit to the historic Fahan Mura abbey graveyard and a short talk from Anatine O’Donnaile.
The group then travels to Cookstown for lunch at The Glenavon House Hotel, before continuing to Desertcreat Parish Church and Tullyhogue Fort for a guided visit.
The day finishes with a return to the hotel and free time for delegates to relax and explore at their own pace. Please note bus travel is incuded in ticket price.
Day Two
🕑: 09:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Day Two – Saturday 17 April 2027
Info: Continue the Trail of the O’Neills with a full day exploring the history, people and places connected to the dynasty.
The day begins with a welcome talk from Hiram Morgan, followed by a tour of the Hill of O’Neill and talks from Una Walsh, Dwayne and Jon Patrick.
The group then travels to Benburb for lunch, followed by a talk and guided tour of the site led by James Kane. Please note bus travel is incuded in ticket price.
Gala Dinner
🕑: 07:00 PM - 10:30 PM
The Trail of the O’Neills – Networking Dinner
Info: Saturday 17 April 2027 | Glenavon House Hotel
Join us for a special evening bringing the Trail of the O’Neills to a close.
Guests will enjoy arrival drinks and networking, followed by dinner, an after-dinner speech and live music.
The evening provides an opportunity to relax, connect with fellow guests and continue the conversations and stories from the day in a social setting. A DNA Corner will also be available for diners.
Day Three
🕑: 10:00 AM - 07:30 PM
The Trail of the Clandeboyes
Info: Continue your weekend with a journey through historic sites across County Derry and County Antrim. The day begins with a gathering at The Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown for an introduction and overview, before travelling to Innisrush for a talk by Thomas McErlean on Brian Carrach’s Greenlough Crannog. There will be an opportunity to walk around the crannog before visiting Dreenan townland en route to Portglenone for lunch at The Wild Duck Inn. In the afternoon, the group travels to Shane’s Castle for a visit, followed by a stop at Cranfield Church and Holy Well. The day concludes with dinner at The O’Neill Arms Country House Hotel in Toomebridge before returning to The Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown. Please note for Sunday -The cost of lunch and dinner for each person would be at the responsibility of each attendee. Please note car pooling will be arranged for this day.
Event venue & nearby stays
Glenavon Hotel, 52 Drum Road, Cookstown, United Kingdom
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