Rathmullen Co Donegal.

(Rath of the mill.)

Set on the eastern side of the Fanad peninsula overlooking lough Swilly Rathmullen figured prominently twice in Irish history, it was from there that Red Hugh O'Donnell was lured on board a disguised merchant ship on the pretext of a friendly drink, only to find himself in chain on his way to Dublin castle where he was incarcerated for six years.

In 1607 rumors were spread that the earl's of Tyrone and of Tyrconnell were plotting a rebellion, the English government summoned them to London for questioning. Fearing for their safety they left Ireland for the continent hoping to raise support there, their plans came to nothing and both died in exile, their great estates were seized and occupied by settlers, their exodus came to be known as The Flight of the Earls. A heritage centre in the old fort is dedicated to the history of the town

Later a battery was built and the harbour fortified against the possibility of an attack by Napoleon.