Remembering the Armada 2025 Programme Launched

As many will know, the Spanish Armada lost three of its ships at Streedagh in September 1588, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 men. Every year the community gathers to commemorate the tragedy and over time, this has grown to incorporate diverse events that attract Armada historians as well as members of the public that have an interest in this chapter of Hispano-Irish history.

“It’s important that we have a broad programme of events,” says the new Chair of Spanish Armada Ireland Dr. Prannie Rhatigan. “Many people come to get a flavour of what is a captivating story in itself, but we want to ensure that the programme has general appeal as well as engaging with historians and experts. There’s something for everyone and we always want to encourage both locals and visitors to get involved and this year is the biggest series of events we’ve run to date.”

The programme for this year’s festival is now online at www.spanisharmadaireland.com/festival and reflects the range of events on offer. From a tour of Donegal Bay to visit Slieve Liag (Europe’s tallest sea cliffs) by sea to an immersive music event overlooking the ocean to a 40 year photographic exhibition of the Armada discovery of 1985, the programme is varied and captivating. The Armada Conference itself, which will take place on Friday 19th September at the National Surf Centre in Strandhill, will feature experts from Ireland and Spain who will provide details on the latest Armada discoveries, as well as new research that pertains to the events of 1588.

“It’s a dynamic programme that will appeal to many people from the first time visitor to the returning Armada enthusiast,” says Cllr. Donal Gilroy, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and a member of Spanish Armada Ireland. “It’s a credit to the people of Grange and Streedagh in particular, that they have increased the profile of this unique chapter of our history over so many years. Supported by Sligo County Council, the event continues to surprise and challenge in equal measure and I am very much looking forward to this year’s events once things get underway in September.”

While the story of the Armada coming to grief in Ireland is more than 400 years old, the legacy continues. Every year, subaqua teams from the Underwater Archaeology Unit survey the site at Streedagh, monitoring the seabed for changes in the environment and which might lead to intervention by divers. In 2015, a significant change in the underwater environment led to the requirement for 9 cannons and other priceless artefacts to be recovered by the UAU.

This year, their team will return to Sligo to bring us the latest information on the Armada shipwrecks. The conference itself as well as the overall festival is supported by the National Monuments Service, the Spanish Embassy in Ireland and the Spanish Navy.

One of the most eye catching elements of the Armada festival in recent years has been the involvement of the modern Spanish Armada. Each year since 2016, Spain has sent a naval vessel and team of officers and crew to take part in Remembering the Armada and this year is no exception. The Spanish Navy Band will also be in attendance and will play at various events, including a Gala Concert at Grange Church (followed by Céilí at Grange Hall), which will also help generate funds for a new running track in the village.

Tickets for all of the events are now available at www.SpanishArmadaIreland.com/festival and while many events are free and open to the public, there is a limited capacity for others, like the boat tour, concert, recital and conference and we strongly encourage you to book tickets well in advance for what promises to be a very popular weekend of Armada activities in Sligo this September.