Who were these people, why were they leaving their country and where were they going?
At the time the Flight of the Earls is of major international significance. It threatens to upset peace treaties and agreements between the superpowers of the age. Hailed as a great statesman and military genius, the Gaelic leader Hugh Ó Néill continues to have an impact on Irish and world affairs until his death in Rome in 1616.
As well as being an epic historical narrative, with major implications, the story of The Flight of The Earls is a deeply human one, focusing on individuals who lived, hoped, suffered, and died while world history was being made.
This series is also the personal journey of presenter, Antaine O Donnaile, who grew up with The Flight of the Earls among the Drumlins in Armagh where epic battles were fought. Antaine follows in the footsteps of the Earls to Spain, France, Switzerland and Italy, revisiting the locations they passed through 400 years ago.
The series has been shot entirely on HDV cameras. It features dramatic reconstructions and a shooting style which makes the viewers believe they are at the heart of the action.
Of special importance, too, are the first-hand personal accounts of events and correspondence between protagonists. Imagine finding Hugh Ó Néill's personal letters to the King of Spain deep in a beautiful Spanish castle.
Pushing technological boundaries to the limit, the series will be presented in both English and Irish and viewers with digital satellite will be able to choose which language they wish to view in.
The Flight of the Earls and the events which surrounded it have left us a legacy which we still live with today.
