Donegal Hosts Spanish Dignitaries, Launched New Armada Trail and Commemorate Shared Maritime History on ‘Love Donegal Day’

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Published Friday 18th September 2026

Donegal proudly welcomed esteemed guests from Spain this week, including representatives from the Spanish Naval vessel, the OPV Centinela, to mark the beginning of the 17th annual Remembering the Armada weekend. The commemorative weekend, anchored in neighbouring Sligo, highlights the enduring bonds of friendship and shared heritage between Ireland and Spain.

The delegation was warmly received at St. Catherine’s Park in Killybegs, at the site of the Spanish Armada memorial. The reception featured an excerpt from the new audio trail read by Conor Carney, followed by students from St. Catherine’s School performing the National Anthem and Grace. Guests then enjoyed a tour of the Naval vessel before proceeding to the historic Donegal Castle. Fittingly coinciding with Love Donegal Day, the occasion was celebrated with special musical performances. At the castle, dignitaries and guests were treated to moving renditions of Home to My Donegal and The Homes of Donegal, beautifully sung by local singer Brian O\'Sullivan.

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Cllr. Jimmy Brogan, Cathaoirleach of Donegal Municipal District
 	
Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Donegal County Council
 	
Anna Gallagher, Mayor of Donegal Town
 	
Brenda Hegarty, Head of Economic Development, Donegal County Council
 	
Joy Browne, Tourism Manager, Donegal County Council
 	
Mary Daly, Senior Tourism Development Officer, Donegal County Council
 	
Shane Smyth, Tourism Officer, Donegal County Council
 	
Mary McGettigan, Donegal Chamber
 	
Members of Spanish Armada groups in Donegal and local businesses in Donegal Town
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flexible_blocks_4_wysiwyg_content_block => 'A central focal point of the visit was the formal launch of the new Armada Trail. Designed to develop Donegal, Antrim, and Sligo as premier destinations for maritime heritage tourism, the trail features four key locations across Donegal: Killybegs, Rosbeg Pier, the Inishowen Maritime Museum, and Kinnagoe Bay. To ensure an immersive and accessible experience for all visitors, the trail includes a dedicated audio interpretation available in Spanish, English, and Irish.

The trail serves to educate visitors on the dramatic historical events of 1588, when the retreating Spanish Armada faced severe weather and naval opposition. Ultimately, 26 ships sank off the Irish coast.  The trail illuminates the history of ships such as Duquesa Santa Ana, which sailed into Loughros More Bay, La Trinidad Valencera, which was discovered at Kinnagoe Bay in 1971, and La Girona, which found temporary sanctuary and underwent repairs in Killybegs before tragically sinking off the coast of Antrim.

During the welcoming proceedings, officials took the opportunity to commend the tireless work of local Armada groups, the Inishowen Maritime Museum, and Spanish Armada Ireland, extending special congratulations to Chair Prannie Rattigan and her dedicated team of volunteers. The gatherings in Killybegs and at Donegal Castle stood as a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of the Armada sailors, and a vibrant celebration of the rich historical tapestry connecting Donegal and Spain.'
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