Monreagh Heritage Centre

01/07/2026

FREE EVENT!!
Celebrate America 250 with
author Courtney McKinney-Whitaker
& ladies choir 'The Mood Swings'
on Saturday 4th July, 2:00pm–5:00pm
Reserve Free Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990076112223?aff=oddtdtcreator

24/06/2026

FREE EVENT!!

Celebrate America 250 with
author Courtney McKinney-Whitaker
& ladies choir 'The Mood Swings'
on Saturday 4th July, 2:00pm–5:00pm

Reserve Free Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990076112223?aff=oddtdtcreator

America 250: Courtney McKinney-Whitaker on Charles Thomson, Ulster Emigrant & American Founder. Followed by the fabulous ladies choir 'The Mood Swings'

To mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence, join us for a special afternoon at Monreagh Heritage Centre on Saturday 4th July, from 2:00pm–5:00pm, with Courtney McKinney-Whitaker, author of Charles Thomson: Irish Emigrant, American Founder.

Courtney, from Derry, Pennsylvania, has strong ancestral connections to Ulster, including Raphoe in County Donegal, giving her work a deeply personal connection to this story of migration and identity. During the event, Courtney will also share the story of her own ancestors who hailed from this area and reflect on the journeys that link family history, migration and heritage across generations and across continents.

In addition to her work as an author and researcher, Courtney has a deep interest in storytelling, history and uncovering the personal journeys that connect families across generations. Her work explores the powerful links between place, migration and identity, bringing forgotten stories to life and helping audiences connect with the experiences of those who came before us.

Her book explores the remarkable life of Charles Thomson, an often-overlooked figure among America’s Founding Fathers. Charles Thomson was born in Maghera, County Londonderry, before emigrating to America as a child with his family. He later became Secretary of the Continental Congress and served throughout the American Revolution. Thomson played a central role in the formation of the United States and was one of the key figures who helped shape the new nation during its earliest years. As America marks the 250th anniversary of independence, his story offers a fascinating reminder of the important contribution made by Irish emigrants in the creation of the United States.

Charles Thomson: Irish Emigrant, American Founder also features a foreword by Rev Dr David Latimer and an epilogue by John Hume Jr., further highlighting the book’s strong connections to history, identity and the continuing links between Ulster and America.

The afternoon will include a fascinating talk, book signing and entertainment, offering an opportunity to explore the enduring historical links between Ulster and America during this important anniversary year.

Reserve Free Tickets Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990076112223?aff=oddtdtcreator

29/05/2026

**East Donegal Family History Festival 2026 | June 29–July 04, 2026** FREE Events!

🎟️ View the full event schedule and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/east-donegal-family-history-festival-2026-4842646

Step back in time and discover the stories that shaped generations at the East Donegal Family History Festival 2026! Join us from June 23–July 04, 2026 for a celebration of heritage, genealogy, culture, music, and community as we connect past and present through unforgettable events and experiences.

Explore local history, enjoy guided tours, live entertainment, and unique cultural events. Whether you're tracing your roots or simply curious about the rich stories of the region, there’s something for everyone. Come celebrate family, tradition, and history with us!

As 2026 also marks America’s 250th anniversary, this festival offers a opportunity to reflect on the deep connections between Ulster and the United States. Many families from Donegal helped shape communities across America, and exploring family history is a powerful way to honor the journeys, stories, and legacies that continue to connect both sides of the Atlantic.

🎟️ View the full event schedule and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/east-donegal-family-history-festival-2026-4842646 Free Events!

20/05/2026

**East Donegal Family History Festival 2026 | June 29–July 04, 2026**

🎟️ View the full event schedule and register here: https://bit.ly/42Gm9cB

Step back in time and discover the stories that shaped generations at the East Donegal Family History Festival 2026! Join us from June 23–July 04, 2026 for a celebration of heritage, genealogy, culture, music, and community as we connect past and present through unforgettable events and experiences. Explore family history, enjoy guided tours, live entertainment, and unique cultural events. Whether you're tracing your roots or simply curious about the rich stories of the region, there’s something for everyone. Come celebrate family, tradition, and history with us!

As 2026 also marks America’s 250th anniversary, this festival offers a opportunity to reflect on the deep connections between Ulster and the United States. Many families from Donegal helped shape communities across America, and exploring family history is a powerful way to honor the journeys, stories, and legacies that continue to connect both sides of the Atlantic.

🎟️ View the full event schedule and register here:

As part of our 2026 Family History Festival, taking place from Monday 29th June to Saturday 4th July, we invite you to join us for an exciting week celebrating genealogy, local heritage and discovering the stories of the past.

10/02/2026

"Agnes Burns: The Sister of Robert Burns and Her Life in Ireland"

Agnes Burns, the eldest sister of Scottish poet Robert Burns, moved to Ireland after marrying William Galt in 1804. The couple settled in Dundalk, County Louth, in 1817, where William worked on the Fortescue Estates, helping to improve the land by building reservoirs and planting thousands of trees. Agnes lived the rest of her life in Ireland, working as a dairymaid on the estate.

One of the most vivid descriptions of Agnes comes from Major McClintock, who noted her strong Ayrshire accent: "She was as unprepossessing a female as one would care to see. But, oh! to hear her read her brother's poems was a caution, with hard rasping delivery, that I question if many out of Ayrshire could make out the meaning of a word she said." Despite her distinctive accent, Agnes shared a deep connection with her brother Robert, often reading his poems with affection.

Agnes died in 1834 and was buried in the St Nicholas Church cemetery in Dundalk. A memorial to both Agnes and Robert Burns was erected in 1839, with an inscription that reads:
"As a tribute to the genius of Robert Burns, the national bard of Scotland and in respect for the memory of his eldest sister Agnes, whose mortal remains are deposited in this church-yard, erected by the contributions of the poet's numerous admirers in Dundalk and its vicinity, 25th of January 1839."

Today, her former cottage in Dundalk has been transformed into a museum, connecting her life in Ireland to the enduring legacy of her brother, Robert Burns.

Join us for a Burns Supper
📅 Friday, 27 February
🕢 7:30pm
📍 Monreagh Hall
🎟 Admission: €20
To reserve your place, email [email protected] or call 074 9140708.
We’d love to see you there!

09/02/2026

Join us for a Burns Supper
📅 Friday, 27 February
🕢 7:30pm
📍 Monreagh Hall

🎟 Admission: €20

To reserve your place, email [email protected] or call 074 9140708.
We’d love to see you there!

14/11/2025

🌟 **Catherine Black Exhibition – Monreagh Heritage Centre**
📅 **Monday 24th – Friday 28th November**
🕛 **12 noon – 3pm daily**
📍 **Monreagh Heritage Centre, Carrigans, County Donegal**

We’re delighted to host a special exhibition celebrating **Catherine Black MBE**, one of Donegal’s most inspiring women. Born in Ramelton in 1878, Catherine trained at the Royal London Hospital and went on to serve with extraordinary courage as a nurse on the front lines of **World War I**, caring for wounded soldiers in France and Belgium. After the war, she became **private nurse to King George V**, attending him during his final years and being present at his death in 1936.

Affectionately known as **“Blackie”**, she later published her memoir *King’s Nurse, Beggar’s Nurse*, a vivid account of both the brutality of war and the quiet dignity of royal service—while always remaining deeply proud of her Donegal roots.

🖼️ **On display at the exhibition:**
✨ Family photographs
✨ Unpublished writings
✨ Family letters
✨ Cards and letters from the Royal Family
✨ **Personal artefacts belonging to Catherine Black**
✨ Newspaper reviews of her memoir
✨ Rare photographs of old Ramelton
✨ Images from her travels and nursing career
✨ Her nursing qualification certificates
✨ The official funeral booklet of King George V

💐 **Catherine Black & Edith Cavell**
During her nursing career, Catherine Black had associations with **Edith Cavell**, the renowned British nurse remembered for her bravery during World War I. Edith Cavell (1865–1915) saved the lives of soldiers on both sides without discrimination and helped over 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium. She was executed by the Germans in 1915, becoming an international symbol of compassion, courage, and humanitarian duty. Catherine’s connection to Cavell highlights the remarkable company she kept and the extraordinary calibre of nurses of her generation.

🎭 **Special Event – Friday 28th November at 2pm**
Join us for **Sister Black**, a captivating one-woman play written and performed by Ramelton-based actress, writer, and former doctor **Maggie Hannon**. This powerful performance brings Catherine’s story to life with emotional depth, gentle humour, and a rare authenticity shaped by Maggie’s own medical background. Audiences will be transported from the hospitals of wartime Europe to the quiet resilience of a Donegal woman who left a lasting mark on history.

We would *love* to see you there.
👍 Like, 💬 Comment, or 🔁 Share to help spread the word and celebrate this extraordinary piece of Donegal heritage.

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05/11/2025

**Live Theatre at Monreagh Heritage Centre**

Join us on Friday, 28th November at 2pm at Monreagh Heritage Centre for Sister Black – a captivating one-woman play that tells the remarkable story of Catherine Black MBE, the Ramelton nurse who rose from humble beginnings to serve as personal nurse to King George V.

Written and performed by Maggie Hannon, a Ramelton-based actress, writer and former doctor, Sister Black brings to life the courage, compassion and spirit of one of Donegal’s most inspiring women. Maggie’s own background in healthcare gives her performance a rare authenticity, blending medical insight with heartfelt storytelling. Through her portrayal, audiences are transported from the wards of London’s hospitals during the First World War to the quiet strength of a Donegal woman whose compassion left a lasting mark on those she cared for.

Maggie Hannon has been praised for her emotional depth and gentle humour, making this play both moving and uplifting – a fitting tribute to Catherine Black and to the countless women who served with dedication and humanity.

The performance begins at 2pm

04/11/2025

Catherine Black Display – Monreagh Heritage Centre

We’re delighted to announce that the Catherine Black Exhibition will take place at Monreagh Heritage Centre, near Carrigans village, County Donegal, from:

Monday 24th to Friday 28th November,
12 noon to 3pm daily.

This special display honours Catherine Black — one of Donegal’s most remarkable women.

🩺 **Who Was Catherine Black?**
Born in Ramelton in 1878, Catherine Black trained as a nurse at the Royal London Hospital and served courageously on the front lines during World War I, treating wounded soldiers in France and Belgium. After the war, she became private nurse to King George V, caring for him during his final years and attending him at his death in 1936.

Affectionately known as “Blackie”, she later published her memoir, “King’s Nurse, Beggar’s Nurse”, offering a vivid insight into both the horrors of war and the quiet dignity of royal service. Despite her distinguished career, she remained deeply proud of her Donegal roots.

🖼️ **The exhibition will feature:**

* Newspaper clippings reviewing her memoir
* Notes and cards from the Royal Family
* Rare photographs of old Ramelton
* Images from her travels and nursing career
* Her nursing qualification certificates
* The official funeral booklet of King George V

Come and discover the inspiring story of Catherine Black and her extraordinary journey from Donegal to the royal court of England.

📅 Dates:Monday 24th – Friday 28th November
🕛 Time: 12 noon – 3pm daily
📍 Venue: Monreagh Heritage Centre, Carrigans, County Donegal

We’d love to see you there!
👍 Like, 💬 Comment, or 🔁 Share to help spread the word and celebrate this important piece of Donegal history.

31/07/2025

Lucius Gwynn: Donegal’s Unsung Hero of Irish Cricket

Lucius Gwynn, from Ramelton, County Donegal, was a formidable figure in the world of sports. His rugby career at Dublin University and his seven caps for Ireland between 1893 and 1898 marked the beginning of his impressive sporting journey. Alongside his brothers, he represented Leinster in rugby. His talent also extended to cricket, where he played for the Gentlemen of England and represented Ireland in eleven international matches, achieving the best average runs-per-innings of any pre-Second World War cricketer.

Beyond the numbers, Gwynn was admired for his style, discipline, and sportsmanship. A true all-rounder, he was also a gifted student, graduating with top academic honours from Trinity College Dublin. His sporting career was tragically cut short when he died of tuberculosis at just 28 years of age in 1902, a loss deeply felt by both the sporting and academic communities. Today, Lucius Gwynn is remembered not only as one of Ireland’s finest dual-sport athletes, but also as a symbol of early sporting excellence from Donegal whose legacy still inspires.