By Naomi Hamilton O’Donnell
A DONEGAL man who walked 600km along a historic route to Kinsale had a triumphant welcome at his destination.
Adrian Gallagher, who is from Carrigart but lives in Letterkenny, set out on foot from Donegal Castle and arrived in Co Cork just over three weeks later.
He told the Donegal News that the trek combined his love for hiking with his interest in history.
Members of the Kinsale community gathered to welcome Adrian, who is the Titular Chieftain of the Gallagher clan, as he completed his remarkable journey.
He followed as closely as possible the route taken by Chief of the O’Donnell clan, Red Hugh O’Donnell and his forces in 1601.
Adrian became interested in the march when he learned that members of the Gallagher clan had been involved.
His arrival in the town is particularly significant as 2026 marks the 425th anniversary of the events that changed the course of Irish history.
O’Donnell and his forces marched to meet the Spanish military who had arrived to help with their efforts against the English. However, the ensuing events led to the Battle of Kinsale and then the Flight of the Earls.
Representatives of Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society, together with Councillor and Chairperson Marie O’Sullivan, Rev Eugene Griffin, Angela Shannon, tourist office and members of the local community, welcomed Adrian to Kinsale and especially to St Multose Church.
The church occupies a unique place in the history of the town, as it is one of only two buildings known to have survived from the period.
Speaking to the Donegal News upon returning home, Adrian said he was “treated very well” by Kinsale locals.
“I got a guided tour of Castletownsend, where Red Hugh left Ireland for the last time to go to Spain,” he said.
Adrian met members of the local Crowley clan, who took him under their wing.
Along the walk, which took in sites from Belleek to Newmarket, Adrian was met with kindness by locals.
“The country was at its best,” he said. “The chorus of the birds, the wildflowers in bloom.”
“The most significant thing was the people. They showed kindness without being asked.
“It would restore your faith in human nature. People offered assistance, offered me a place to stay.”
He added: “It was good to see how the lay of the land would have affected the march. There’s a certain logic as to why one way was taken over another.”
JJ Hurley, Chairperson of Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society, said it was particularly fitting that Adrian’s walk concluded during the anniversary year.
“It is wonderfully ironic that Adrian should complete this historic walk in the very year that marks the 425th anniversary of these events,” he said.
“His journey has helped reconnect people with an important chapter of Irish history and has brought the story of the march to Kinsale to life.”
The Society is holding a programme of commemorative events in September, with a historical re-enactment on the 19th followed by a major historical seminar in St Multose Church featuring leading historians and scholars on the 26th.
Feet up: Adrian Gallagher relaxing with the Donegal News after returning home from Kinsale. Photo Brian McDaid.