Connacht
Encyclopedia
Connacht ˈkɒnɔːt formerly anglicised
as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland
situated in the west of Ireland
. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland
, the ancient kingdoms were shire
d into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes. In later centuries, local government legislation has seen further sub-division of the historic counties. In modern times, clusters of counties have been attributed to certain provinces but these clusters have no legal status. The province itself, while enjoying common usage and forming a strong part of local identity
, has no official function for local government purposes. Along with counties from other provinces, it lies in the North-West constituency for elections to the European Parliament
.
, Leitrim
, Mayo
, Roscommon
and Sligo. Its main urban centres are Galway
in the south and Sligo
in the north. It is the smallest of the four Irish provinces, with a population of 542,039.
dynasty, who claimed descent from the mythical king Conn of the Hundred Battles
. The present-day senior representative of the dynasty is The O'Conor Don
.
In Irish, the province is usually called Cúige Chonnacht. Cúige denotes a portion. Because Ireland had five major kingdoms, the term came to denote a fifth, meaning a territory comprising one fifth of the island. The other fifths were Ulaid
, Mide, Laighin and Mumhan. Notable kingdoms such as Aileach, Brega
, Osraighe and Ui Maine, never gained the status of fifths, but were recognised as powerful kingdoms within each fifth.
An alternative anglicised spelling which was officially used during English and British rule is Connaught. In 1874 Queen Victoria
granted the title Duke of Connaught to her third son, and could trace a descent from the Connachta.
Connacht is composed of five counties: Galway
, Leitrim
, Mayo
, Roscommon
and Sligo.
The highest point of Connacht is Mweelrea
(814 m), in Mayo
. The largest island in Connacht is Achill, also the largest island of Ireland. The biggest lake is Lough Corrib
.
Much of the west coast - Connemara
, Nephin
, Erris
- is ruggedly inhospitable, and poorly conducive for agriculture. However it is also very scenic. It contains the main mountainous areas in Connacht, including the Twelve Bens
, Maumturks
, Mweelrea
, Croagh Patrick
, Nephin Beg
, Ox Mountains
, Dartry Mountains
.
Killary Harbour
, Ireland's only natural fjord
, is located at the foot of Mweelrea
.
Connemara National Park
is located within Connacht in County Galway.
The Aran Islands
, featuring spectacular pre-historic forts such as Dún Aonghasa, have been a regular tourist destination since the 19th century.
These areas, together with County Leitrim
, have since the 1840s experienced the highest emigration in the province.
Inland areas such as east Galway, Roscommon and Sligo have enjoyed greater historical population density due to overall good agricultural land and better infrastructure.
Rivers and lakes include River Moy
, River Corrib
, the Shannon
, Lough Mask
, Lough Melvin
, Lough Allen
and Lough Gill
.
The largest urban area in Connacht is Galway city with a population of 72,414 in the city proper. There are many large towns including Sligo
(pop. 19,402), Castlebar
(pop. 11.600) and Ballina
(pop. 10,409).
, in County Galway
.
Up to the early historic era, Connacht then included County Clare
, and was known as Cóiced Ol nEchmacht
. It is said that the Fir Bolg
ruled all of Ireland right before the Tuatha Dé Danann
arrived. When the Fir Bolg were defeated, the Tuatha Dé Danann were so touched by the courage of their enemy that they would give them a quarter of Ireland. They chose Connacht.
Sites such as the Céide Fields
, Knocknarea
, Listoghil, Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery
and Rathcroghan, all demonstrate intensive occupation of Connacht far back into prehistory.
Enigmatic artifacts such as the Turoe stone
and the Castlestrange stone
, whatever their purpose, denote the ambition and achievement of those societies, and their contact with the La Tène culture
of mainland Europe.
In the early historic era (c. 400-c.500), Ol nEchmacht was not a single unified kingdom. It instead comprised dozens of major and minor túath
; rulers of larger túath (Maigh Seóla
, Uí Maine, Aidhne
and Máenmaige
) were accorded high kingly status, while peoples such as the Gailenga, Corco Moga and Senchineoil
were lesser peoples given the status of Déisi
. All were termed kingdoms, but according to a graded status, denoting each according the likes of lord, count, earl, king.
Some of the more notable peoples included the following:
For an extensive list of nations known to have resided in Connacht during this era, see Cóiced Ol nEchmacht
.
By the 5th century, the pre-historic tribal polities were giving way to dynasties. Older nation
s such as the Auteini and Nagnatae
- recorded by Ptolemy
(c. AD 90–c. 168) in Geography - gave way to dynastic hereditary rule. This is demonstrated in the noun
moccu in names such as Muirchu moccu Machtheni
, which indicated a person was of the Machtheni people. As evidenced by kings such as Mac Cairthinn mac Coelboth
(died 446) and Ailill Molt
(died c. 482), even by the 5th century the gens
was giving way to kinship all over Ireland, as both men were identified as of the Uí Enechglaiss
and Uí Fiachrach
dynasties, not of tribes. By 700, moccu had been entirely replaced by mac and hua (later Mac and Ó).
During the mid-8th century, what is now County Clare
was absorbed into Thomond
by the Déisi Tuisceart. It has remained a part of the province of Munster
ever since.
The name Connacht arose from the most successful of these early dynasties, The Connachta
. By 1050, they had extended their rule from Rathcroghan in north County Roscommon
to large areas of what are now County Galway
, County Mayo
, County Sligo, County Leitrim
. The dynastic term was from then on applied to the overall geographic area containing those counties, and has remained so ever since.
See also:
(768.4, pp.44-45, volume III, leabhar na nGenealach
). The Annals of Ulster
have the following references concerning Viking activities:
The most successful sept
of the Connachta were the Ó Conchobair
of Síol Muiredaig. They derived their surname from Conchobar mac Taidg Mór
(c.800-882), from whom all subsequent Ó Conchobair Kings of Connacht
descended.
Conchobar was a nominal vassal
of Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid, High King of Ireland
(died 862). He married Máel Sechnaill's daughter, Ailbe, and had sons Áed mac Conchobair
(died 888), Tadg mac Conchobair
(died 900) and Cathal mac Conchobair
(died 925), all of whom subsequently reigned. Conchobar and his sons's descendants expanded the power of the Síl Muiredaig south into Ui Maine, west into Iar Connacht
, and north into Uí Fiachrach Muaidhe
and Bréifne.
By the reign of Áed in Gai Bernaig
(1046–1067), Connacht's kings ruled much what is now the province. Yet the Ó Conchobair's contended for control with their cousions, the Ua Ruairc of Uí Briúin Bréifne. Four Ua Ruairc's achieved rule of the kingdom - Fergal Ua Ruairc
(956-967), Art Uallach Ua Ruairc
(1030–1046, Áed Ua Ruairc
(1067–1087) and Domnall Ua Ruairc
(1098-1102. In addition, the usurper
Flaithbertaigh Ua Flaithbertaigh
gained the kingship in 1092 by the expedient of blinding King Ruaidrí na Saide Buide
. After 1102 the Ua Ruairc's and Ua Flaithbertaigh's were subborned and confined to their own kingdoms of Bréifne and Iar Connacht
. From then till the death of the last king in 1474, the kingship was held exclusively by the Ó Conchobair's.
The single most substantial sub-kingdom in Connacht was Uí Maine, which at it maximum extant enclosed central and south County Roscommon
, central, east-central and south County Galway
, along with the territory of Lusmagh in Munster
. Their rulers bore the surname Ó Cellaigh.
Though the Ó Cellaigh's were never elevated to the provincial kingship, Ui Maine existed as a semi-independent kingdom both before and after the demise of the Connacht kingship. Notable rulers of Ui Maine included
and chronicle
s were kept in Ireland from c. 500 A.D. onwards. The following are extracts from the Annals of Ulster
concerning the Connacht region from 1041 to 1166.
The years 1132 to 1155 are missing from all extant editions of the Annals of Ulster
.
(c.1120-1198) Connacht became one of the five dominant kingdoms on the island. Tairrdelbach and Ruaidrí became the first men from west of the Shannon
to gain the title Ard-Rí na hÉireann (High King of Ireland
). In the latter's case, he was recognised all over the island in 1166 as Rí Éireann, or King of Ireland
.
Tairrdelbach was highly innovative, building the first stone castles in Ireland, and more controversially, introducing the policy of primogeniture
to a hostile Gaelic polity. Castles were built in the 1120s at Galway
(where he based his fleet
), Dunmore, Sligo
and Ballinasloe, where he dug a new six-mile canal to divert the river Suck around the castle of Dun Ló. Churches, monasteries and dioceses were re-founded or created, works such as the Corpus Missal
, the High Cross of Tuam
and the Cross of Cong
were sponsored by him.
Tairrdelbach annexed the Kingdom of Mide
; its rulers, the Clann Cholmáin
, became his vassals. This brought two of Ireland's five main kingdoms under the direct control of Connacht. He also asserted control over Dublin, which was even then recognised as the national (political).
His son, Ruaidrí, became king of Connacht "without any opposition" in 1156. One of his first acts as king was arresting three of his twenty-two brothers, "Brian Breifneach, Brian Luighneach, and Muircheartach Muimhneach" to prevent them from usurping him. He blinded Brian Breifneach as an extra precaution.
Ruaidrí was compelled to recognise Muirchertach Mac Lochlainn as Ard-Rí, though he went to war with him in 1159. Mac Lochlainn's murder in 1166 left Ruaidrí the unopposed ruler of all Ireland. He was crowned in 1166 at Dublin, "took the kingship of Ireland ...[and was] inaugurated king as honourably as any king of the Gaeidhil was ever inaugurated;" He was the first and last native ruler who was recognised by the Gaelic-Irish as full King of Ireland
.
However, his expulsion of Dermot MacMurrough
later that year brought about the Norman invasion of Ireland
in 1169. Ruaidrí's inept response to events led to rebellion by his sons in 1177, and his deposition by Conchobar Maenmaige Ua Conchobair in 1183.
Ruaidrí died at Cong
in 1198, noted as the annals as late "King of Connacht and of All Ireland, both the Irish and the English."
Had the Norman invasion of Ireland
not occurred, the Ó Conchobair
dynasty may well have established themselves as the royal family of Ireland. The senior head of the clan, the O'Conor Don
, is still recognised as the presumptive claimant to the throne of Ireland, should it ever be re-established.
begin under Richard Mor de Burgh
(c. 1194–1242). New towns were founded (Athenry
, Headford
, Castlebar
) or former settlements expanded (Sligo
, Roscommon
, Loughrea
, Ballymote). Both Gael and Gall acknowledged the supreme lordship of the Earl of Ulster
; after the murder of the last earl in 1333, the Anglo-Irish
split into different factions, the most powerful emerging as Bourke
of Mac William Eighter in north Connacht, and Burke of Clanricarde
in the south. They were regularly in and out of alliance with equally powerful Gaelic
lords and kings such as Ó Conchobair
of Síol Muiredaig, Ó Cellaigh of Ui Maine and Mac Diarmata
of Moylurg
, in addition to extraprovincial powers such as Ó Briain
of Thomond
, FitzGerald of Kildare
, Ó Domhnaill
of Tír Chonaill.
Lesser lords of both races included Mac Donnchadha
, Mac Goisdelbh
, Mac Bhaldrin
, Mac Siurtain
, Ó hEaghra
, Ó Flaithbeheraigh
, Ó Dubhda
, Ó Seachnasaigh
, Ó Manacháin
, Seoighe, Ó Máille
, Ó Ruairc
, Ó Madadháin
, Bairéad
, Ó Máel Ruanaid
, Ó hEidhin
, Ó Finnaghtaigh
, Ó Fallmhain
, Breathneach
, Mac Airechtaig
, Ó Neachtain
, Ó hAllmhuráin
, Ó Fathaigh
.
Independent from both Gael and Gall was the town of Galway
, the only significant urban area in the province. After expelling the Burkes of Clanricarde, its inhabitants governed themselves under charter of the king of England. Its merchant families, The Tribes of Galway, traded within Ireland
, as well as Britain
, France and Spain till it was reckoned one of Ireland's most eminent towns. It was something of an oddity as it was ruled by a merchant
middle class of elected
freemen, whereas both Gaelic-Irish and Anglo-Irish lordships were inherited by those of noble
blood, or violently seized. Its mayor enjoyed supreme power but only for the length of his office, rarely more than a year. Galway's inhabitants were of mixed descent, its families bearing surnames of Gaelic, French, English, Welsh, Norman and other origins. In contrast to much of the rest of the province, they were literate and multi-lingual and actively sought the protection of the English Crown. They however remained devout Catholics, which displeased the Anglo-Irish administration, and later, the House of Stuart
.
Connacht was the site of two of the bloodiest battles in Irish history, the Second Battle of Athenry
(1316) and the Battle of Knockdoe
(1504). The casualties of both battles were measured in several thousand, unusually high for Irish warfare. A third battle at Aughrim in 1691 resulted in an estimated 10,000 deaths.
All of Connacht's lordships remained in states of full or semi-independence from other Gaelic-Irish and Anglo-Irish rulers till the late 16th century, when the Tudor conquest of Ireland (c. 1534–1603) brought all under the direct rule of King James I of England
. The counties were created from c. 1569 onwards.
(c.1391), the Great Book of Lecan
(between 1397 and 1418), An Leabhar Breac
(c. 1411), Egerton 1782
(early 16th century), and The Book of the Burkes
(c.1580). Writers and learned people of the times included:
and during the Williamite War in Ireland
. Its main town, Galway, endured several sieges (see Sieges of Galway
), while warfare, plague, famine and sectarian massacres killed about a third of the population by 1655.
One of the last battles fought in pre-20th century Ireland occurred in Connacht, the Battle of Aughrim
on 12 July 1691.
in the early 18th century was curbed by the Irish Famine (1740–1741), which led to many deaths and some emigration. Its memory has been overshadowed by the Great Famine (Ireland) one hundred years later.
The Republic of Connaught
had a brief existence in 1798 with French military support.
Learned people from the province in this era included the following:
until it was superseded in 2004 by the new constituency of North–West.
See also:
is spoken in the Gaeltacht
areas of Counties Mayo and Galway, the largest being in the west of County Galway covering Cois Fharraige
(Irish
meaning 'by the sea'), and parts of Connemara
, and Dúithche Sheoigeach (Joyce Country).
See also:
Anglicisation
Anglicisation, or anglicization , is the process of converting verbal or written elements of any other language into a form that is more comprehensible to an English speaker, or, more generally, of altering something such that it becomes English in form or character.The term most often refers to...
as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland
Provinces of Ireland
Ireland has historically been divided into four provinces: Leinster, Ulster, Munster and Connacht. The Irish word for this territorial division, cúige, literally meaning "fifth part", indicates that there were once five; the fifth province, Meath, was incorporated into Leinster, with parts going to...
situated in the west of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland
Norman Invasion of Ireland
The Norman invasion of Ireland was a two-stage process, which began on 1 May 1169 when a force of loosely associated Norman knights landed near Bannow, County Wexford...
, the ancient kingdoms were shire
Shire
A shire is a traditional term for a division of land, found in the United Kingdom and in Australia. In parts of Australia, a shire is an administrative unit, but it is not synonymous with "county" there, which is a land registration unit. Individually, or as a suffix in Scotland and in the far...
d into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes. In later centuries, local government legislation has seen further sub-division of the historic counties. In modern times, clusters of counties have been attributed to certain provinces but these clusters have no legal status. The province itself, while enjoying common usage and forming a strong part of local identity
Cultural identity
Cultural identity is the identity of a group or culture, or of an individual as far as one is influenced by one's belonging to a group or culture. Cultural identity is similar to and has overlaps with, but is not synonymous with, identity politics....
, has no official function for local government purposes. Along with counties from other provinces, it lies in the North-West constituency for elections to the European Parliament
European Parliament
The European Parliament is the directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union . Together with the Council of the European Union and the Commission, it exercises the legislative function of the EU and it has been described as one of the most powerful legislatures in the world...
.
Counties
It consists of the counties of GalwayCounty Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
, Leitrim
County Leitrim
County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county...
, Mayo
County Mayo
County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
, Roscommon
County Roscommon
County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county...
and Sligo. Its main urban centres are Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
in the south and Sligo
Sligo
Sligo is the county town of County Sligo in Ireland. The town is a borough and has a charter and a town mayor. It is sometimes referred to as a city, and sometimes as a town, and is the second largest urban area in Connacht...
in the north. It is the smallest of the four Irish provinces, with a population of 542,039.
Etymology
Connacht means "the descendants of Conn" (Conn itself possibly meaning wisdom or chief). The name was derived from the ConnachtaConnachta
The Connachta are a group of medieval Irish dynasties who claimed descent from the legendary High King Conn Cétchathach...
dynasty, who claimed descent from the mythical king Conn of the Hundred Battles
Conn of the Hundred Battles
Conn Cétchathach , son of Fedlimid Rechtmar, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland, and the ancestor of the Connachta, and, through his descendant Niall Noígiallach, the Uí Néill dynasties, which dominated Ireland in the early middle ages, and...
. The present-day senior representative of the dynasty is The O'Conor Don
O'Conor Don
The Ó Conchubhair Donn is the hereditary Prince and Chief of the Name of the Royal Family of Connacht, the Clan Ó Conchubhair.-Overview:...
.
In Irish, the province is usually called Cúige Chonnacht. Cúige denotes a portion. Because Ireland had five major kingdoms, the term came to denote a fifth, meaning a territory comprising one fifth of the island. The other fifths were Ulaid
Ulaid
The Ulaid or Ulaidh were a people of early Ireland who gave their name to the modern province of Ulster...
, Mide, Laighin and Mumhan. Notable kingdoms such as Aileach, Brega
Kings of Brega
-Overview:Brega took its name from Mag Breg, the plain of Brega, in modern County Meath, County Louth and County Dublin, Ireland. They formed part of the Uí Néill kindred, belonging to the Síl nÁedo Sláine branch of the southern Uí Néill. The kingdom of Brega included the Hill of Tara, the site...
, Osraighe and Ui Maine, never gained the status of fifths, but were recognised as powerful kingdoms within each fifth.
An alternative anglicised spelling which was officially used during English and British rule is Connaught. In 1874 Queen Victoria
Victoria of the United Kingdom
Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
granted the title Duke of Connaught to her third son, and could trace a descent from the Connachta.
Geography
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
, Leitrim
County Leitrim
County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county...
, Mayo
County Mayo
County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
, Roscommon
County Roscommon
County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county...
and Sligo.
The highest point of Connacht is Mweelrea
Mweelrea
Mweelrea is a mountain in County Mayo, Republic of Ireland. With a height of 814 metres , it is the highest point in County Mayo, the highest point in the province of Connacht and the 34th highest in Ireland...
(814 m), in Mayo
County Mayo
County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
. The largest island in Connacht is Achill, also the largest island of Ireland. The biggest lake is Lough Corrib
Lough Corrib
Lough Corrib is a lake in the west of Ireland. The River Corrib or Galway river connects the lake to the sea at Galway. It is the second largest lough in Ireland . It covers 178 km² and lies mostly in County Galway with a small area of its northeast corner in County Mayo.The first canal in...
.
Much of the west coast - Connemara
Connemara
Connemara is a district in the west of Ireland consisting of a broad peninsula between Killary Harbour and Kilkieran Bay in the west of County Galway.-Overview:...
, Nephin
Nephin
Nephin or Nefin , at 806 metres , is the second highest peak in County Mayo and the second highest in Connacht, in Ireland...
, Erris
Erris
Erris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
- is ruggedly inhospitable, and poorly conducive for agriculture. However it is also very scenic. It contains the main mountainous areas in Connacht, including the Twelve Bens
Twelve Bens
The Twelve Bens, or Twelve Pins , is a mountain range of sharp-peaked quartzite ranges located northeast of Roundstone in Connemara in the west of Ireland. Dedicated fell runners attempt to hike all twelve peaks in a single day...
, Maumturks
Maumturks
Na Sléibhte Mhám Toirc are a picturesque mountain range in Connemara in the west of Ireland. They are less well known than their more famous neighbours, the Twelve Bens on the other side of the Inagh Valley...
, Mweelrea
Mweelrea
Mweelrea is a mountain in County Mayo, Republic of Ireland. With a height of 814 metres , it is the highest point in County Mayo, the highest point in the province of Connacht and the 34th highest in Ireland...
, Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick , nicknamed the Reek, is a tall mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo, Republic of Ireland. It is from Westport, above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. It is the third highest mountain in County Mayo after Mweelrea and Nephin. On "Reek Sunday", the last...
, Nephin Beg
Nephin Beg
Nephin Beg or Nefin Beg is a mountain in the Nephin Beg Range in north County Mayo, Ireland. The mountain takes its name from Nephin, although that mountain is some distance away and with intervening mountains between them The highest point is 365 meters....
, Ox Mountains
Ox Mountains
The Ox Mountains are a mountain range in County Sligo on the west coast of Ireland. They are also known as 'St Patrick's Mountain after St. Patrick, as he laboured much on it, raised churches on its slopes, and left his name to some of its wells, as for instance that of Dromard' . The highest peak...
, Dartry Mountains
Dartry Mountains
The Dartry Mountains are a range in the north west of Ireland.They are situated mainly on the border of County Sligo and County Leitrim....
.
Killary Harbour
Killary Harbour
Killary Harbour/An Caoláire Rua is a fjord located in the West of Ireland in the heart of Connemara which forms a natural border between counties Galway and Mayo. It is 16 kilometres long and in the centre over 45 metres deep...
, Ireland's only natural fjord
Fjord
Geologically, a fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created in a valley carved by glacial activity.-Formation:A fjord is formed when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley by abrasion of the surrounding bedrock. Glacial melting is accompanied by rebound of Earth's crust as the ice...
, is located at the foot of Mweelrea
Mweelrea
Mweelrea is a mountain in County Mayo, Republic of Ireland. With a height of 814 metres , it is the highest point in County Mayo, the highest point in the province of Connacht and the 34th highest in Ireland...
.
Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is one of six National Parks in the Republic of Ireland that are managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It is located in the west of Ireland within County Galway.-History:Connemara National...
is located within Connacht in County Galway.
The Aran Islands
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands or The Arans are a group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland. They constitute the barony of Aran in County Galway, Ireland...
, featuring spectacular pre-historic forts such as Dún Aonghasa, have been a regular tourist destination since the 19th century.
These areas, together with County Leitrim
County Leitrim
County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county...
, have since the 1840s experienced the highest emigration in the province.
Inland areas such as east Galway, Roscommon and Sligo have enjoyed greater historical population density due to overall good agricultural land and better infrastructure.
Rivers and lakes include River Moy
River Moy
The River Moy rises at the foot of Knocknashee in the Northwest of Ireland.- Geography :The River Moy rises at the foot of Knocknashee in the Ox Mountains in County Sligo. It flows for 110 km...
, River Corrib
River Corrib
The River Corrib in the west of Ireland flows from Lough Corrib through Galway to Galway Bay. The river is among the shortest in Europe, with only a length of six kilometres from the lough to the Atlantic. It is popular with local whitewater kayakers and is the training ground of , as well as...
, the Shannon
River Shannon
The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland at . It divides the west of Ireland from the east and south . County Clare, being west of the Shannon but part of the province of Munster, is the major exception...
, Lough Mask
Lough Mask
Lough Mask is a limestone lough of 22,000 acres in County Mayo, Ireland, north of Lough Corrib. Lough Mask is the upper of the two lakes, which empty into the Corrib River, through Galway, into Galway Bay. The lake is visited for its trout fishing...
, Lough Melvin
Lough Melvin
Lough Melvin is a lake which is internationally renowned for its unique range of plants and animals. It is located in the northwest of Ireland on the border between County Leitrim and County Fermanagh ....
, Lough Allen
Lough Allen
Lough Allen is a lake situated on the River Shannon, in the north-central part of Ireland, near Ireland's border region. Most of the lake is in County Leitrim, with a smaller portion in County Roscommon. The lake lies to the south of the river's source, near the Iron Mountains, and is the...
and Lough Gill
Lough Gill
Lough Gill is a freshwater lough mainly situated in County Sligo, but partly in County Leitrim, in Ireland. It is about 8 km or 5 miles long and 2 km or 1 mile wide, and drains into the River Garavogue near Sligo Town. The picturesque lake is surrounded by wooded hills and is popular with...
.
The largest urban area in Connacht is Galway city with a population of 72,414 in the city proper. There are many large towns including Sligo
Sligo
Sligo is the county town of County Sligo in Ireland. The town is a borough and has a charter and a town mayor. It is sometimes referred to as a city, and sometimes as a town, and is the second largest urban area in Connacht...
(pop. 19,402), Castlebar
Castlebar
Castlebar is the county town of, and at the centre of, County Mayo in Ireland. It is Mayo's largest town by population. The town's population exploded in the late 1990s, increasing by one-third in just six years, though this massive growth has slowed down greatly in recent years...
(pop. 11.600) and Ballina
Ballina, County Mayo
Ballina is a large town in north County Mayo in Ireland. It lies at the mouth of the River Moy near Killala Bay, in the Moy valley and Parish of Kilmoremoy, with the Ox Mountain range to the east and the Nephin Beg mountains to the west...
(pop. 10,409).
Early Connacht in the Annals of Ulster
Historical references to Connacht are generally accepted from the early 6th century onwards, commencing with the battle of Claenloch between the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne and the Ui Maine. It is though that Claenloch is what is now called Coole Lough, four miles north of GortGort
Gort is a town in south County Galway in the west of Ireland. An Gort is the official Irish name for the town, as defined by the Placenames Commission. In spoken Irish, however, the town is known by its traditional name Gort Inse Guaire. It lies just north of the border with County Clare on the...
, in County Galway
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
.
- 538. The battle of Claenloch, in which Maine son of Cerball fell.
- 543. The battle of Tortu i.e. won by the Laigin, in which Mac Erca son of Ailill MoltAilill MoltAilill mac Nath Í , called Ailill Molt, is included in most lists of the High Kings of Ireland and is also called King of Connacht. His cognomen, molt, means "ram" but its origin is unknown....
fell.
- 544. Tuathal Maelgarb was killed, i.e. in Grellach Allta by Mael Mórda, and Diarmait son of Cerball succeeded him.
- 545. The first mortality called bléfed, in which Mo-Bí Clárainech died.
- 547. The battle of Slicech in which fell Eógan Bél, i.e. king of Connacht; and Domnall and Forgus, two sons of Muirchertach Mac Erca, and Ainmire son of Sétna son of Fergus son of Conall of Gulbu son of Niall Naígiallach, were victors.
- 548. Cluain Moccu Nóis (ClonmacnoiseClonmacnoiseThe monastery of Clonmacnoise is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone....
) was founded.
- 549. The falling asleep of the son of the wright, i.e. CiaránCiaránCiarán , Ciaran in Scottish Gaelic, Ceiran, Kieran, Keeran, Kyran, Kiaran, Keiran, Kieren, Kieron, Keiron or Kiernan , is a personal name meaning "small dark one". Ciarán comes from the Irish word "Ciar" which means black or dark. Ciar can be linked back to Ciar, son of Fergus, King of Ulster...
, in the 33rd year of his age or in the 7th after he had begun to build Cluain Moccu Nóis.
- 550. The battle of Cúil Conaire in Cera, in which Ailill InbandaAilill InbandaAilill Inbanda mac Eógain was a king of Connacht from the Ui Fiachrach branch of the Connachta. He was the son and successor of Eógan Bél, who was slain by the northern Ui Neill in 542. His nickname Inbanda means "womanish" or effeminate or it could mean "the vigorous" which is more likely .His...
, i.e. king of Connacht and Aed Fortobol, i.e. his brother, fell. Forgus and Domnall, i.e. two sons of Muirchertach Mac Erca, were victors.
Early history
County Clare
-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
, and was known as Cóiced Ol nEchmacht
Cóiced Ol nEchmacht
-Etymology and extent:Cóiced Ol nEchmacht may be translated as the portion/fifth/province of the Ol nEchmacht, also called the Fir Ol nEchmacht . They were divided up into three main tribes: the Fir Craibe, or Fir na Criabe; the Tuatha Taiden; the Gamanraige...
. It is said that the Fir Bolg
Fir Bolg
In Irish mythology the Fir Bolg were one of the races that inhabited the island of Ireland prior to the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann.-Mythology:...
ruled all of Ireland right before the Tuatha Dé Danann
Tuatha Dé Danann
The Tuatha Dé Danann are a race of people in Irish mythology. In the invasions tradition which begins with the Lebor Gabála Érenn, they are the fifth group to settle Ireland, conquering the island from the Fir Bolg....
arrived. When the Fir Bolg were defeated, the Tuatha Dé Danann were so touched by the courage of their enemy that they would give them a quarter of Ireland. They chose Connacht.
Sites such as the Céide Fields
Céide Fields
The Céide Fields is an archaeological site on the north Mayo coast in the west of Ireland, about 8 kilometres northwest of Ballycastle. The site is the most extensive Stone Age site in the world and contains the oldest known field systems in the world...
, Knocknarea
Knocknarea
Knocknarea is a large hill west of Sligo town in County Sligo, Republic of Ireland.The high limestone hill is visually striking, as it is monolithic in appearance and stands in a prominent position on the Cúil Irra peninsula between the bays of Sligo and Ballysadare. At the summit is a large...
, Listoghil, Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery
Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery
Carrowkeel is a Neolithic passage tomb cemetery in the south of County Sligo, near Boyle, County Roscommon. An Cheathrú Chaol in Irish means 'the Narrow Quarter'. Circumstantial Carbon 14 dating places the tombs at between 5400 and 5100 years old, so that they predate the Pyramids on Egypt's Giza...
and Rathcroghan, all demonstrate intensive occupation of Connacht far back into prehistory.
Enigmatic artifacts such as the Turoe stone
Turoe stone
The Turoe stone is a granite stone decorated in a Celtic style located in the village of Bullaun, County Galway, Ireland, 6 km north of Loughrea off the R350 regional road...
and the Castlestrange stone
Castlestrange stone
The Castlestrange stone is located in the grounds of "Castlestrange House" near Athleague in County Roscommon. It is a granite boulder decorated with flowing spirals in the La Tène style, dating from the Iron Age period between 500 BC and 100 AD....
, whatever their purpose, denote the ambition and achievement of those societies, and their contact with the La Tène culture
La Tène culture
The La Tène culture was a European Iron Age culture named after the archaeological site of La Tène on the north side of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland, where a rich cache of artifacts was discovered by Hansli Kopp in 1857....
of mainland Europe.
In the early historic era (c. 400-c.500), Ol nEchmacht was not a single unified kingdom. It instead comprised dozens of major and minor túath
Tuath
Túath is an Old Irish word, often translated as "people" or "nation". It is cognate with the Welsh and Breton tud , and with the Germanic þeudō ....
; rulers of larger túath (Maigh Seóla
Maigh Seola
Maigh Seola was a term used to describe the land along the east shore of Lough Corrib in County Galway, Ireland. It was bounded by the Uí Maine vassal kingdom of Soghain. Its rulers up to the 1220s were the Muintir Murchada, who took the surname O'Flaherty...
, Uí Maine, Aidhne
Aidhne
Aidhne also known as, Uí Fhiachrach Aidhne, Maigh Aidhne / Maigh nAidhne was the territory of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne, a tuath located in the south of what is now County Galway in the south of Connacht, Ireland. Aidhne is coextensive with the present diocese of Kilmacduagh...
and Máenmaige
Máenmaige
Máenmaige was a originally a kingdom, later termed a trícha cét, and in Anglo-Norman times a cantred, which formed the barony of Loughrea.-Early historic rulers:It was first under the control of Ui Fhiachrach Fionn, and later by the Uí Maine...
) were accorded high kingly status, while peoples such as the Gailenga, Corco Moga and Senchineoil
Senchineoil
The Senchineoil was the name of the pre-Gaelic inhabitants of what is now central and east County Galway and south County Roscommon.-Overview:...
were lesser peoples given the status of Déisi
Déisi
The Déisi were a class of peoples in ancient and medieval Ireland. The term is Old Irish, and derives from the word déis, meaning "vassal" or "subject"; in its original sense, it designated groups who were vassals or rent-payers to a landowner. Later, it became a proper name for certain septs and...
. All were termed kingdoms, but according to a graded status, denoting each according the likes of lord, count, earl, king.
- Auteini - County RoscommonCounty RoscommonCounty Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county...
/County GalwayCounty GalwayCounty Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county... - ConmaicneConmaicneThe Conmhaicne or Conmaicne were an ancient tribal grouping that were divided into a number of distinct branches that were found scattered around Ireland in the early medieval period. They settled in Connacht, where they gave their name to several territories....
- west coast, and northern areas of, County Galway - Dartraige - north-west County LeitrimCounty LeitrimCounty Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county...
- DelbhnaDelbhnaThe Delbna or Delbhna were an ethnic group in Ireland. They had a number of branches in central and western Ireland.*The Delbhna Tir Dha Locha were the most westerly branch, based in Iar Connacht....
- south County Roscommon, and both sides of the CorribCorribCorrib has multiple meanings. Among the possible ones are:*Lough Corrib, a lake in the west of Ireland, north of Galway.*River Corrib, a river connecting Lough Corrib to Galway Bay through the city of Galway.... - ErdiniErdiniThe Erdini or Erpeditani were a people of referred to in Ptolemy's 2nd century Geography as living in the north-west of Ireland, in the area of Donegal Bay....
- County Leitrim/County CavanCounty CavanCounty Cavan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Cavan. Cavan County Council is the local authority for the county... - Fir CraibeFir CraibeFir Craibe is a branch of the Fir Ol nEchmacht, one of the ancient peoples of Ireland.The kingdom of the Fir Craibe extended from Limerick to the Palace of Fidach, a place thought to be located in north-eastern Aidhne...
- County ClareCounty Clare-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
(then part of Connacht) and south-west Galway - Fir DomnannFir DomnannThe Fir Domnann were an ancient Irish people located in the west and north of Connacht, in Irrus Domnann, from which Erris in County Mayo now takes it's name. In Irish mythology they make up one third of the Fir Bolg. They are probably related to the British Dumnonii, and to the Irish Laigin...
- west coast of Mayo - GamhanraighTáin Bó FlidhaisTáin Bó Flidhais, also known as the Mayo Táin, is a tale from the Ulster Cycle of early Irish literature. It is one of a group of works known as Táin Bó, or "cattle raid" stories, the best known of which is Táin Bó Cúailnge...
- North Mayo - NagnataeNagnataeThe Nagnatae or Magnatae were a people of ancient Ireland, recorded in Ptolemy's 2nd century Geography as living in northern Connacht. Ptolemy also records a town, Nagnata or Magnata , in their territory, between the mouths of the rivers Ravius , thought to be the Roe, and Libnius , thought to...
- County Mayo/County Galway - SoghainSoghainThe Soghain were a people of ancient Ireland. Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh identified them as part of a larger group called the Cruithin, and stated of them:...
- most of east-central County Galway - Tuatha TaidenTuatha TaidenThe Tuatha Taiden were a branch of the Fir Ol nEchmacht, one of the ancient peoples of Ireland.The kingdom of Tuatha Taiden extended from Fidach eastwards to and across the Shannon towards Tara, and was probably co-extensive with Uí Maine at its greatest extent.-Sources:*"Foras Feasa Éireann",...
- east Galway and south Roscommon
For an extensive list of nations known to have resided in Connacht during this era, see Cóiced Ol nEchmacht
Cóiced Ol nEchmacht
-Etymology and extent:Cóiced Ol nEchmacht may be translated as the portion/fifth/province of the Ol nEchmacht, also called the Fir Ol nEchmacht . They were divided up into three main tribes: the Fir Craibe, or Fir na Criabe; the Tuatha Taiden; the Gamanraige...
.
By the 5th century, the pre-historic tribal polities were giving way to dynasties. Older nation
Nation
A nation may refer to a community of people who share a common language, culture, ethnicity, descent, and/or history. In this definition, a nation has no physical borders. However, it can also refer to people who share a common territory and government irrespective of their ethnic make-up...
s such as the Auteini and Nagnatae
Nagnatae
The Nagnatae or Magnatae were a people of ancient Ireland, recorded in Ptolemy's 2nd century Geography as living in northern Connacht. Ptolemy also records a town, Nagnata or Magnata , in their territory, between the mouths of the rivers Ravius , thought to be the Roe, and Libnius , thought to...
- recorded by Ptolemy
Ptolemy
Claudius Ptolemy , was a Roman citizen of Egypt who wrote in Greek. He was a mathematician, astronomer, geographer, astrologer, and poet of a single epigram in the Greek Anthology. He lived in Egypt under Roman rule, and is believed to have been born in the town of Ptolemais Hermiou in the...
(c. AD 90–c. 168) in Geography - gave way to dynastic hereditary rule. This is demonstrated in the noun
Noun
In linguistics, a noun is a member of a large, open lexical category whose members can occur as the main word in the subject of a clause, the object of a verb, or the object of a preposition .Lexical categories are defined in terms of how their members combine with other kinds of...
moccu in names such as Muirchu moccu Machtheni
Muirchu moccu Machtheni
Muirchu moccu Machtheni , usually known simply as Muirchu, was a seventh-century Irish historian and Leinster monk.-Works:...
, which indicated a person was of the Machtheni people. As evidenced by kings such as Mac Cairthinn mac Coelboth
Mac Cairthinn mac Coelboth
Mac Cairthinn mac Coelboth of the Uí Enechglaiss, King of Leinster, died 446?/530?.-Background:Mac Cairthinn is one of the very earliest verifiable Irish kings. Though not listed in any extant Irish genealogies, the Annals of Innisfallen record his death at the battle of Mag Femen in the kingdom of...
(died 446) and Ailill Molt
Ailill Molt
Ailill mac Nath Í , called Ailill Molt, is included in most lists of the High Kings of Ireland and is also called King of Connacht. His cognomen, molt, means "ram" but its origin is unknown....
(died c. 482), even by the 5th century the gens
Gens
In ancient Rome, a gens , plural gentes, referred to a family, consisting of all those individuals who shared the same nomen and claimed descent from a common ancestor. A branch of a gens was called a stirps . The gens was an important social structure at Rome and throughout Italy during the...
was giving way to kinship all over Ireland, as both men were identified as of the Uí Enechglaiss
Uí Enechglaiss
The Ui Enechglaiss were a were a dynasty attested in fifth-century Ireland, who provided some of the early kings of Laigin.-Background:The dynasty were initially based on the plains of Kildare around Naas, but were forced east over the Wicklow Mountains by the invasions and conquests by the Ui...
and Uí Fiachrach
Uí Fiachrach
The Uí Fiachrach were a dynasty who originated in, and whose descendants later ruled, the coicead or fifth of Connacht at different times from the mid-first millennium onwards. They claimed descent from Fiachrae, an older half-brother of Niall Noigiallach or Niall of the Nine Hostages...
dynasties, not of tribes. By 700, moccu had been entirely replaced by mac and hua (later Mac and Ó).
During the mid-8th century, what is now County Clare
County Clare
-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
was absorbed into Thomond
Thomond
Thomond The region of Ireland associated with the name Thomond is County Clare, County Limerick and north County Tipperary; effectively most of north Munster. The name is used by a variety of establishments and organisations located in , or associated with the region...
by the Déisi Tuisceart. It has remained a part of the province of Munster
Munster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
ever since.
The name Connacht arose from the most successful of these early dynasties, The Connachta
Connachta
The Connachta are a group of medieval Irish dynasties who claimed descent from the legendary High King Conn Cétchathach...
. By 1050, they had extended their rule from Rathcroghan in north County Roscommon
County Roscommon
County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county...
to large areas of what are now County Galway
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
, County Mayo
County Mayo
County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
, County Sligo, County Leitrim
County Leitrim
County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county...
. The dynastic term was from then on applied to the overall geographic area containing those counties, and has remained so ever since.
- Cath Maige Mucrama - epicEpic poetryAn epic is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Oral poetry may qualify as an epic, and Albert Lord and Milman Parry have argued that classical epics were fundamentally an oral poetic form...
concerning a battle that took place between AthenryAthenryAthenry is a town in County Galway, Ireland. It lies east of Galway city, and one of the attractions of the town is its medieval castle. The town is also well-known by virtue of the song "The Fields of Athenry".-History:...
and Clarenbridge - Goidelic substrate hypothesis - concerning pre-Gaelic languages of Ireland
- Esker RiadaEsker RiadaEsker Riada, , is a system of ridges that stretch across the middle of Ireland, between Dublin and Galway.-Geography:The Esker Riada is a collection of eskers, that passes through the counties of Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Westmeath, Offaly, Roscommon and Galway...
- used as one of the principal prehistoric Irish roadways, the Sli Mor, - HiberniaHiberniaHibernia is the Classical Latin name for the island of Ireland. The name Hibernia was taken from Greek geographical accounts. During his exploration of northwest Europe , Pytheas of Massilia called the island Ierne . In his book Geographia Hibernia is the Classical Latin name for the island of...
- Ireland in GreekAncient GreeceAncient Greece is a civilization belonging to a period of Greek history that lasted from the Archaic period of the 8th to 6th centuries BC to the end of antiquity. Immediately following this period was the beginning of the Early Middle Ages and the Byzantine era. Included in Ancient Greece is the...
and RomanRoman EmpireThe Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
accounts - Insular artInsular artInsular art, also known as Hiberno-Saxon art, is the style of art produced in the post-Roman history of Ireland and Great Britain. The term derives from insula, the Latin term for "island"; in this period Britain and Ireland shared a largely common style different from that of the rest of Europe...
- post-Roman native art of Ireland and Great Britain - MedbMedbMedb – Middle Irish: Meḋḃ, Meaḋḃ; early modern Irish: Meadhbh ; reformed modern Irish Méabh, Medbh; sometimes Anglicised Maeve, Maev or Maive – is queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
- legendary Queen of Connacht - Táin Bó CúailngeTáin Bó Cúailngeis a legendary tale from early Irish literature, often considered an epic, although it is written primarily in prose rather than verse. It tells of a war against Ulster by the Connacht queen Medb and her husband Ailill, who intend to steal the stud bull Donn Cuailnge, opposed only by the teenage...
- Irish epicEpic poetryAn epic is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Oral poetry may qualify as an epic, and Albert Lord and Milman Parry have argued that classical epics were fundamentally an oral poetic form...
, partly set in Connacht - Táin Bó FlidhaisTáin Bó FlidhaisTáin Bó Flidhais, also known as the Mayo Táin, is a tale from the Ulster Cycle of early Irish literature. It is one of a group of works known as Táin Bó, or "cattle raid" stories, the best known of which is Táin Bó Cúailnge...
- Irish epicEpic poetryAn epic is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Oral poetry may qualify as an epic, and Albert Lord and Milman Parry have argued that classical epics were fundamentally an oral poetic form...
, set in ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western... - Trícha cétTrícha cétA Trícha cét or triocha cét was a a territorial unit ... to the eleventh and twelfth centuries [1] in medieval Ireland. It was succeeded by the cantred.Paul MacCotter describes it as:...
- Gaelic territorial unit - TúathTuathTúath is an Old Irish word, often translated as "people" or "nation". It is cognate with the Welsh and Breton tud , and with the Germanic þeudō ....
- Gaelic social/political division
Connacht in the Annals of Ulster, 925-1039
- 925. Cathal son of Conchobor, king of Connacht, died in penitence. Domnall son of Cathal, with other distinguished men of Connacht, was treacherously killed by his kinsman, i.e. by Tadc.
- 931. Cernachán son of Tigernán, king of Bréifne, died.
- 935. Abundance of oak-mast.
- 936. Cluain Moccu Nóis was plundered by the foreigners of Áth Cliath, and they remained two nights in it—something unheard of from ancient times.
- 939. Críchán son of Mael Muire, king of Uí Fiachrach, dies.
- 941. Severe frost so that the ice on lakes and streams was passable.
- 945. Abnormally severe frost so that the lakes and rivers were passable on foot. Aurchath son of Murchad, king of the west of Connacht, died.
- 949. Aedán of Tuaim da Gualann rested in Christ.
- 950. An abnormally great mast-crop.
- 951. A mortality of bees.
- 952. Flann ua Cléirig, king of the south of Connacht ... died.
- 954. A great murrain of cattle throughout Ireland.
- 956. Tadc son of Cathal, king of Connacht, died.
- 960. Muiredach son of Fergus made a great circuit of Connacht.
- 961. Erchad's son, king of Uí Briúin Sheóla, died.
- 965. Great and intolerable famine in Ireland, so that the father was wont to sell his son and daughter for food. Domnall ua Néill, king of Temair, made an expedition and plundered Connacht, taking hostages from ua Ruairc.
- 969. Eógan son of Cleirech, bishop of Connacht, rested.
- 970. Ualgarc ua Ruairc was defeated and killed with very many others by Conchobor son of Tadgh.
- 973. Conchobor son of Tadc, king of Connacht, dies. A battle between Murchad ua Flaithbertaig and the Connachta, in which fell Cathal son of Tadc, king of Connacht, and Géibennach son of Aed, king of Uí Maini, and many others. Mael Muire, superior of Dairmag, was drowned in Es Ruaid.
- 975. Very bad weather in the above year.
- 980. Comaltán ua Cléirig, king of Uí Fiachrach Aidni, dies.
- 981. An abnormal mast-crop in the above year.
- 982. Aed ua Dubdai, king of the north of Connacht, dies an untroubled death.
- 985. Mael Sechnaill son of Domnall had an army in Connacht, and he reduced Mag Aí to ashes. The Connacht made a covert(?) foray to Loch Aininn, and they burned the country and killed the king of Fir Chell. (Mael Sechnall son of Domnall ravaged Connacht, plundered its islands, and killed its chiefs.)
- 992. An expedition was made by Mael Sechnaill in Connacht, and he brought away great spoils. A remarkable manifestation on St. Stephen's night, the sky appearing blood-red.
- 993. A great mortality of people, cattle, and bees throughout Ireland this year.
- 998. Mael Sechnaill made an expedition into Connacht and ravaged it. Brian made an expedition also in Laigin and ravaged it.
- 1001. The causeway of Áth Luain was made by Mael Sechnaill and by Cathal son of Conchobor.
- 1002. Brian brought an army to Áth Luain and took the hostages of the Connachta and of the men of Mide. The raiding of Connacht by Aed son of Domnall.
- 1004. Gilla Cellaig son of Comaltán, king of Uí Fiachrach Aidni, and Brian son of Mael Ruanaid were killed.
- 1006: Brian brought an army on a circuit of Ireland into Connacht, over Es Ruaid into Tír Conaill, through Cenél Eogain, over Fertas Camsa, into Ulaid, into the assembly of the Conaille; and at Lammas they came to Belach Dúin, and the full demand of the community of Patrick and of his successor i.e. Mael Muire son of Eochaid, was granted: It is remarkable that Sliab Cua has no troop/That foreigners do not row around Eidnech/That a lone woman crosses Luachair/That cows are without a herdsman, lowing — That is in Brian's time.
- 1007. Cú Chonnacht son of Dúnadach, chief of Síl Anmchada, was treacherously killed by Brian alias by Murchad son of Brian and by Ua Dúngalaig, king(?) of Múscraige Tíre, in the vicinity of Lothra.
- 1008. Severe frost and snow from the sixth of the Ides 8 January to Easter 28 March.
- 1009. A defeat was inflicted on the Connachta by the men of Bréifne. The Connachta however afterwards defeated the men of Bréifne. Dub Chablaig, daughter of the king of Connacht, i.e. wife of Brian son of Ceinnéitig, died.
- 1010. Cathal son of Conchobor, king of Connacht, dies in penitence. A very hot summer, a fruitful autumn. Der bFáil, daughter of Tadc son of Cathal, died.
- 1013. A defeat was inflicted on the Connachta by ua Mael Doraid, in which fell Domnall son of Cathal i.e. the Cat, heir designate of Connacht.
- 1014. ...two kings of Uí Maine, Ua Cellaig .... and Mael Ruanaid ua hEidin, king of Aidne kiled at Battle of ClontarfBattle of ClontarfThe Battle of Clontarf took place on 23 April 1014 between the forces of Brian Boru and the forces led by the King of Leinster, Máel Mórda mac Murchada: composed mainly of his own men, Viking mercenaries from Dublin and the Orkney Islands led by his cousin Sigtrygg, as well as the one rebellious...
. - 1015. Aed ua Ruairc, king of Bréifne, was wickedly slain by Tadc, king of Connacht, i.e. at Loch Néill in Mag Aí despite being under the safeguard of the Bachall Ísu. It was this which deprived his seed of kingship, save only his son Aed.
- 1023. A lunar eclipse on the fourteenth day of the January moon, that is, on Thursday the fourth of the Ides 10 of January. A solar eclipse, moreover, a fortnight afterwards on the twenty-seventh of the same moon, Thursday the ninth of the Kalends of February 24 Jan. Domnall ua hEgra, king of the Luigne of Connacht, was killed by Ua Conchobuir, king of Connacht.
- 1024. The battle of Áth na Croise in Corann was fought between Ua Maíl Doraid and Ua Ruairc. Ua Ruairc was defeated and a slaughter was inflicted upon him -At the battle of Áth na Croise/Men fought mercilessly/Corann was filled with corpses/Cenél Conaill has its glory.
- 1025. Niall ua Conchobuir, heir designate of Connacht, and Gerr Gaela, king of Brega, were killed.
- 1027. Tadc son of Gilla Pátraic was blinded by Donnchad son of Gilla Pátraic, king of Osraige. Brian's son led an expedition into Osraige, and the Osraige inflicted a slaughter on his followers, including Dogra son of Dúnadach, king of Síl Anmchada, Domnall son of Senchán, and a great number besides.
- 1028. Brian ua Conchobuir and Scorn ua Ruairc, Flaithbertach ua Erudáin and Conchobor son of Eochaid were killed.
- 1029. Brian ua Conchobuir, heir designate of Connacht, was killed by his own people. Aed ua Ruairc and Aengus ua hAengusa and the superior of Druim Cliab and three score people with them were burned in Inis na Lainne.
- 1030. Tadc ua Conchobuir, king of Connacht, and In Got, king of Mide, were killed.
- 1034. Gilla Sechnaill son of Gilla Mo-Chonna was killed. Dub Daingen, king of Connacht, was killed by his own people.
- 1036. All these were killed ... Murchad grandson of In Capall, and Niall son of Muirgius, two heirs designate of the west of Connacht.
- 1037. Cathal son of Ruaidrí, king of the west of Connacht, went on his pilgrimage to Ard Macha. Very wet stormy weather this year.
- 1038. A defeat was inflicted on the Uí Maine by the Delbna in the middle of Cluain Moccu Nóis on Friday, the feast of St. Ciarán 9 Sept., and many were slain there.
- 1039. All these were killed ... Donnchad Derg ua Ruairc by the Uí Chonchobuir;
Vikings in Connacht
Tor and Crioslach and Usban and Gotmann and Allgot [settled] in Connacht, according to Dubhaltach Mac FhirbhisighDubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh
Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh, also known as Dubhaltach Óg mac Giolla Íosa Mór mac Dubhaltach Mór Mac Fhirbhisigh, Duald Mac Firbis, Dudly Ferbisie, and Dualdus Firbissius was an Irish scribe, translator, historian and genealogist...
(768.4, pp.44-45, volume III, leabhar na nGenealach
Leabhar na nGenealach
Leabhar na nGenealach is a massive genealogical collection written mainly in the years 1649 to 1650, at the college-house of St. Nicholas's church, Galway, by Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh. He continued to add material until at least 1666, five years before he was murdered in 1671...
). The Annals of Ulster
Annals of Ulster
The Annals of Ulster are annals of medieval Ireland. The entries span the years between AD 431 to AD 1540. The entries up to AD 1489 were compiled in the late 15th century by the scribe Ruaidhrí Ó Luinín, under his patron Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa on the island of Belle Isle on Lough Erne in the...
have the following references concerning Viking activities:
- 807 - The heathens burned Inis Muiredaig and invade Ros Comáin. (sic; for Ros Comáin is meant Rosscam, County Galway). A slaughter was made of the foreigners by the men of Umhall.
- 808 - A battle between the men of Umhall and the foreigners, in which the men of Umhall were slaughtered, and Cosgrach, son of Flannabhrat, and Dunadhach, lord of Umhall, were slain.
- 812 - A slaughter of the heathens by the men of UmaillUmaillUmaill was a kingdom or territory located in the west of what is now County Mayo, Ireland. It comprmised of the baronies of Burrishoole and Murrisk, essentially all the land adjacent to Clew Bay.-Description:...
. A slaughter of the ConmaicneConmaicne MaraThe Conmhaícne were an ancient tribal grouping that were divided into a number of distinct branches that were found scattered around Ireland in the early medieval period...
by the heathens.
- 836 - A most cruel devastation of all the lands of Connacht by the heathens. The heathens inflicted a slaughter in a battle won over the Déis Tuaisceirt.
- 837 - The heathens won a battle at Inber na mBárc against the Uí Néill from the Sinann to the sea, in which an uncounted number were slaughtered, though the principal kings escaped. Inis Celtra was plundered by the heathens. The churches of all Loch Éirne, including Cluain Eóis and Daiminis, were destroyed by the heathens.
- 838 - The heathens won a battle against the ConnachtaConnachtaThe Connachta are a group of medieval Irish dynasties who claimed descent from the legendary High King Conn Cétchathach...
, in which Mael Dúin son of Muirgius and many others fell.
- 842 - Cluain Moccu Nóis was plundered by heathens from Linn Duachaill. Biror and Saiger were plundered by heathens from Duiblinn.
- 844 - Cluain Ferta Brénainn was burned by heathens from Loch Rí.
- 845 - There was an encampment of the foreigners i.e. under TuirgéisTurgesiusTurgesius was a Viking chief active in Ireland who is said to have conquered Dublin. It is not at all clear whether the names in the Irish annals represent the Old Norse Thurgestr or Thorgísl...
on Loch RíLough ReeLough Ree is a lake in the midlands of Ireland, the second of the three major lakes on the River Shannon. Lough Ree is the second largest lake on the Shannon after Lough Derg. The other two major lakes are Lough Allen to the north, and Lough Derg to the south, there are also several minor lakes...
, and they plundered Connacht and Mide, and burned Cluain Moccu NóisClonmacnoiseThe monastery of Clonmacnoise is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone....
with its oratories, and Cluain Ferta BrénainnClonfertClonfert is a small village in east County Galway, Ireland. It is half way between Ballinasloe and Portumna.Clonfert Cathedral is situated in the village, which is the see of the Diocese of Clonfert.-See also:* List of towns and villages in Ireland...
, and Tír dá GlasTerryglassTerryglass is a village in North Tipperary, Ireland. The village is located on the R493 regional road on the north-eastern shore of Lough Derg near where the River Shannon enters the Lough. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Ormond Lower. It is also an Ecclesiastical parish in the...
and Lothra and other monasteries.
- 846 - Baislec (in County Mayo) was plundered by the heathens. The foreigners won a battle against the ConnachtaConnachtaThe Connachta are a group of medieval Irish dynasties who claimed descent from the legendary High King Conn Cétchathach...
, in which fell Rígán son of Fergus, Mugrón son of Diarmait and Aed son of Cathrannach and many others.
- 849 - A naval expedition of seven score ships of adherents of the king of the foreigners came to exact obedience from the foreigners who were in Ireland before them, and afterwards they caused confusion in the whole country.
- 920 - Mael-micduach, lord of AidhneAidhneAidhne also known as, Uí Fhiachrach Aidhne, Maigh Aidhne / Maigh nAidhne was the territory of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne, a tuath located in the south of what is now County Galway in the south of Connacht, Ireland. Aidhne is coextensive with the present diocese of Kilmacduagh...
, was slain by the foreigners. (Annals of the Four MastersAnnals of the Four MastersThe Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
)
- 922 - The fleet of Luimnech, that is, of Ailche's son, went on Loch Rí, plundered Cluain Moccu NóisClonmacnoiseThe monastery of Clonmacnoise is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone....
, and all the islands on Loch Rí, and took great booty in gold, silver and much treasure.
- 923 - Tomrar, son of Tomralt, was slain by the Conmaicni-maraConmaicne MaraThe Conmhaícne were an ancient tribal grouping that were divided into a number of distinct branches that were found scattered around Ireland in the early medieval period...
. (Four Masters)
- 927 - The foreigners of Luimneach went upon Loch Oirbsen, and the islands of the lake were plundered by them.A new fleet was launched upon Loch Ribh, between Conmaicne and Tuath-nElla, where Cathal Ua Maele, and Flaithbheartach, son of Tuathghal, and some others along with them, were slain. (Four Masters)
- 928 - A slaughter was made of the foreigners who were on Loch Oirbsen by the Connaughtmen. The foreigners of Luimneach encamped in Magh-Roighne.The foreigners of Luimneach took up their station upon Loch Ribh. (Four Masters)
- 929 - A fleet [of Vikings] on Loch OirbsenLough CorribLough Corrib is a lake in the west of Ireland. The River Corrib or Galway river connects the lake to the sea at Galway. It is the second largest lough in Ireland . It covers 178 km² and lies mostly in County Galway with a small area of its northeast corner in County Mayo.The first canal in...
in Connacht.
- 931 - The victory of Duibhthir (barony of Athlone, County Roscommon) was gained by Amhlaeibh Ceanncairech of Luimneach, where some of the nobles of Ui-Maine were slain. The foreigners of Luimneach plundered Connaught as far as Magh-Luirg to the north, and as far as Badhbhghna to the east. (Four Masters)
- 932 - A fleet [of Vikings] on Loch Rí.
- 934 - Cluain-mic-Nois was plundered by the foreigners of Ath-cliath; and it was plundered again by Ceallachan Caisil and the men of Munster. Amhlaibh Ceannchairech, with the foreigners, came from Loch Eirne across Breifne to Loch Ribh. On the night of Great Christmas they reached the Sinainn, and they remained seven months there; and Magh-Aei was spoiled and plundered by them. (Four Masters)
- 936 - Cluain Moccu Nóis was plundered by the foreigners of Áth Cliath, and they remained two nights in it—something unheard of from ancient times. (Annals of Ulster) Amhlaeibh, son of Godfrey, lord of the foreigners, came at Lammas from Ath-cliath, and carried off as prisoners Amhlaeibh Ceanncairech from Loch Ribh, and the foreigners who were with him (i.e. with Cairech), after breaking their ships. The foreigners of Athcliath left their fortress, and went to England. (Four Masters)
- 938 - Aralt, grandson of Imhar, i.e. the son of Sitric, lord of the foreigners of Luimneach, was killed in Connaught by the Caenraighi of AidhneAidhneAidhne also known as, Uí Fhiachrach Aidhne, Maigh Aidhne / Maigh nAidhne was the territory of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne, a tuath located in the south of what is now County Galway in the south of Connacht, Ireland. Aidhne is coextensive with the present diocese of Kilmacduagh...
. (Four Masters).
- 942 - Cluain Moccu Nóis and Cell Dara were ravaged by the heathens of Áth Cliath.
- 946. Cluain Moccu Nóis was plundered by the foreigners of Áth Cliath, and also the churches of the men of Mide.
- 951 - Cluain-mic-Nois was plundered by the men of Munster, and the Danes of Luimneach along with them. (Four Masters)
- 953 - Cluain Moccu Nóis was plundered by the men of Mumu, accompanied by foreigners.
- 971 - Cellach ua Nuadat abbot of Roscommon was killed by foreigners in front of the refectory.
The Kingdom of Connacht
Sept
A sept is an English word for a division of a family, especially a division of a clan. The word might have its origin from Latin saeptum "enclosure, fold", or it can be an alteration of sect.The term is found in both Ireland and Scotland...
of the Connachta were the Ó Conchobair
Conor
Conor is a male given name that comes from the Irish name Conchobhar/Conchubhar or from the name Conaire, found in Irish legend as the name of the high king Conaire Mór and other heroes. It is popular in the English-speaking world...
of Síol Muiredaig. They derived their surname from Conchobar mac Taidg Mór
Conchobar mac Taidg Mór
Conchobar mac Taidg Mór was a King of Connacht from the Uí Briúin branch of the Connachta. He was the grandson of Muirgius mac Tommaltaig , a previous king. His father Tadg Mór had been slain fighting in Muirgius' wars versus the minor tribes of Connacht. He was of the Síl Muiredaig sept of the...
(c.800-882), from whom all subsequent Ó Conchobair Kings of Connacht
Kings of Connacht
The Kings of Connacht were rulers of the cóiced of Connacht, which lies west of the River Shannon, Ireland. However, the name only became applied to it in the early medieval era, being named after The Connachta.The old name for the province was Cóiced Ol nEchmacht . Ptolemy's map of c. 150 AD...
descended.
Conchobar was a nominal vassal
Vassal
A vassal or feudatory is a person who has entered into a mutual obligation to a lord or monarch in the context of the feudal system in medieval Europe. The obligations often included military support and mutual protection, in exchange for certain privileges, usually including the grant of land held...
of Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid, High King of Ireland
High King of Ireland
The High Kings of Ireland were sometimes historical and sometimes legendary figures who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over the whole of Ireland. Medieval and early modern Irish literature portrays an almost unbroken sequence of High Kings, ruling from Tara over a hierarchy of...
(died 862). He married Máel Sechnaill's daughter, Ailbe, and had sons Áed mac Conchobair
Áed mac Conchobair
Áed mac Conchobair was a King of Connacht from the Uí Briúin branch of the Connachta. He was the son of Conchobar mac Taidg Mór , the previous king and was the first of his three sons to rule in succession. He was of the Síl Muiredaig sept of the Uí Briúin. He ruled from 882-888.Áed's reign was...
(died 888), Tadg mac Conchobair
Tadg mac Conchobair
Tadg mac Conchobair was a King of Connacht from the Uí Briúin branch of the Connachta. He was the son of Conchobar mac Taidg Mór , a previous king, the second of his three sons to rule in succession, succeeding his brother Áed mac Conchobair . He was of the Síl Muiredaig sept of the Uí Briúin...
(died 900) and Cathal mac Conchobair
Cathal mac Conchobair
-Family background:Cathal was the third son of Conchobar mac Taidg Mór to rule Connacht, following his older brother Áed mac Conchobair and youngest brother Tadg mac Conchobair. There may have been a fourth brother, Máel Cluiche mac Conchobair, who died in battle in 913.They belonged to the Síl...
(died 925), all of whom subsequently reigned. Conchobar and his sons's descendants expanded the power of the Síl Muiredaig south into Ui Maine, west into Iar Connacht
Iar Connacht
Iar Chonnachta , was a region covering all of County Galway west of the river Corrib and Lough Corrib; Maigh Seola; and part of the barony of Ross in County Mayo.-Description:The area of Co...
, and north into Uí Fiachrach Muaidhe
Uí Fiachrach Muaidhe
Uí Fiachrach Muaidhe were a branch of the Ui Fiachrach dynasty of the Connachta. They were centered in the Moy River valley of Co. Mayo. The Uí Fiachrach Muaide territory at its widest reach included the baronies of Erris and Tirawley in Co. Mayo, and the barony of Tireragh in Co. Sligo...
and Bréifne.
By the reign of Áed in Gai Bernaig
Áed in Gai Bernaig
Áed Ua Conchobair or Áed in Gai Bernaig, King of Connacht, reigned 1046–1067.King Art of Connaught was slain by the Cinel-Conaill in 1046, "the second year after his having plundered Cluain-mic-Nois."...
(1046–1067), Connacht's kings ruled much what is now the province. Yet the Ó Conchobair's contended for control with their cousions, the Ua Ruairc of Uí Briúin Bréifne. Four Ua Ruairc's achieved rule of the kingdom - Fergal Ua Ruairc
Fergal Ua Ruairc
-References:* Leabhar na nGenealach, Dublin, 2004-2005* Annals of the Four Masters, ed. John O'Donovan, Dublin, 1856* Annals of Lough Ce, ed. W.M. Hennessey, London, 1871....
(956-967), Art Uallach Ua Ruairc
Art Uallach Ua Ruairc
-References:* Leabhar na nGenealach, Dublin, 2004-2005* Annals of the Four Masters, ed. John O'Donovan, Dublin, 1856* Annals of Lough Ce, ed. W.M. Hennessey, London, 1871....
(1030–1046, Áed Ua Ruairc
Áed Ua Ruairc
-References:* Leabhar na nGenealach, Dublin, 2004-2005* Annals of the Four Masters, ed. John O'Donovan, Dublin, 1856* Annals of Lough Ce, ed. W.M. Hennessey, London, 1871....
(1067–1087) and Domnall Ua Ruairc
Domnall Ua Ruairc
-References:* Leabhar na nGenealach, Dublin, 2004–2005* Annals of the Four Masters, ed. John O'Donovan, Dublin, 1856* Annals of Lough Ce, ed. W.M. Hennessey, London, 1871....
(1098-1102. In addition, the usurper
Usurper
Usurper is a derogatory term used to describe either an illegitimate or controversial claimant to the power; often, but not always in a monarchy, or a person who succeeds in establishing himself as a monarch without inheriting the throne, or any other person exercising authority unconstitutionally...
Flaithbertaigh Ua Flaithbertaigh
Flaithbertaigh Ua Flaithbertaigh
-Biography:Flaithbertaigh was third or fourth chief of the Muintir Murchada since their expulsion from Uí Briúin Seóla by the Ua Conchobair kings of Connacht...
gained the kingship in 1092 by the expedient of blinding King Ruaidrí na Saide Buide
Ruaidrí na Saide Buide
Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair , called Ruaidrí na Saide Buide was King of Connacht, perhaps twice.-Background:...
. After 1102 the Ua Ruairc's and Ua Flaithbertaigh's were subborned and confined to their own kingdoms of Bréifne and Iar Connacht
Iar Connacht
Iar Chonnachta , was a region covering all of County Galway west of the river Corrib and Lough Corrib; Maigh Seola; and part of the barony of Ross in County Mayo.-Description:The area of Co...
. From then till the death of the last king in 1474, the kingship was held exclusively by the Ó Conchobair's.
The single most substantial sub-kingdom in Connacht was Uí Maine, which at it maximum extant enclosed central and south County Roscommon
County Roscommon
County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county...
, central, east-central and south County Galway
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
, along with the territory of Lusmagh in Munster
Munster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
. Their rulers bore the surname Ó Cellaigh.
Though the Ó Cellaigh's were never elevated to the provincial kingship, Ui Maine existed as a semi-independent kingdom both before and after the demise of the Connacht kingship. Notable rulers of Ui Maine included
- Máine MórMáine Mór-Biography:Máine Mór descended from Colla da Chrioch of Oirghialla/Oriel, which became overpopulated. Máine Mór, his father Eochaidh Ferdaghiall and his two sons Breasal and Amhlaibh, travelled to Connacht to seek new lands...
(c. 357?-407?) - Marcán mac TommáinMarcán mac TommáinMarcán mac Tommáin, died 653 15th King of the Uí Maine.In his time the Uí Maine were allied and subject to the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne, a branch of the Connachta. They were ruled at this time by Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin who ruled at the height of their power...
(died 653) - Tadhg Mór Ua CellaighTadhg Mór Ua Cellaigh-Background:Ua Cellaigh was the first King of Uí Maine to bear the surnmae Ua Cellaigh, derived from his grandfather, Ceallach mac Finnachta, who was in turn a sixth-generation descendant of Eoghan Finn, a descendant of the first king, Maine Mór...
(reigned 985-1014) - Conchobar Maenmaige Ua CellaighConchobar Maenmaige Ua CellaighConchobar Maenmaige Ua Cellaigh, 40th King of Uí Maine and 7th Chief of the Name, died 1180.-Origins:Conchobar Maenmaige is agreed in all sources to have been king for forty years, so it appears he succeeded Tadhg Ua Cellaigh sometime after his abduction by an army from Munster in 1145...
(r.1145-1180) - Tadhg Ó CellaighTadhg Ó Cellaigh-Background:Tadhg was one of five sons of Domhnall mac Conchobar mac Tadhg Taillten Ó Cellaigh, listed as"Gilbert, King of Hy-Many, David, Tadhg Mor of the Battle of Ath na Righ, and Conchobhar, King of Hy-Many, and Aedh...
(died 1316) - William Buidhe Ó CellaighWilliam Buidhe Ó CellaighWilliam Buidhe Ó Cellaigh, King of Uí Maine and Chief of the Name, died c.1381.-References:* The Tribes and customs of Hy-Many, John O'Donovan, 1843* The Surnames of Ireland, Edward MacLysaght, Dublin, 1978....
(c.1349-c.1381) - Maelsechlainn mac Tadhg Ó CellaighMaelsechlainn mac Tadhg Ó CellaighMaelsechlainn mac Tadhg Ó Cellaigh, King of Uí Maine, Chief of the Name,leading participant in the Battle of Knockdoe, fl. 1499-1511.-Family background:...
(reigned c. 1499-1511)
Connacht in the Annals of Ulster 1041-1131
A variety of annalsAnnals
Annals are a concise form of historical representation which record events chronologically, year by year. The Oxford English Dictionary defines annals as "a narrative of events written year by year"...
and chronicle
Chronicle
Generally a chronicle is a historical account of facts and events ranged in chronological order, as in a time line. Typically, equal weight is given for historically important events and local events, the purpose being the recording of events that occurred, seen from the perspective of the...
s were kept in Ireland from c. 500 A.D. onwards. The following are extracts from the Annals of Ulster
Annals of Ulster
The Annals of Ulster are annals of medieval Ireland. The entries span the years between AD 431 to AD 1540. The entries up to AD 1489 were compiled in the late 15th century by the scribe Ruaidhrí Ó Luinín, under his patron Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa on the island of Belle Isle on Lough Erne in the...
concerning the Connacht region from 1041 to 1166.
- 1041. The events indeed are numerous, killings and deaths and raids and battles. No one can relate them all, but a few of the many are given so that the age in which the various people lived may be known through them.
- 1043. Cathal son of Ruaidrí, king of the west of Connacht, died in Ard Macha on pilgrimage.
- 1044. The Cleric ua Conchobuir was killed.
- 1046. Art ua RuaircArt Uallach Ua Ruairc-References:* Leabhar na nGenealach, Dublin, 2004-2005* Annals of the Four Masters, ed. John O'Donovan, Dublin, 1856* Annals of Lough Ce, ed. W.M. Hennessey, London, 1871....
, king of Connacht, was killed by the Cenél Conaill.
- 1047. A great snowfall this year from the Feast of Mary in the winter 8 Dec. to the Feast of Patrick 17 March, the like of which was never experienced before, and it caused the death of many people and cattle and sea-beasts and birds. Niall ua Ruairc was killed by ua Conchobuir.
- 1048. Mael Fábaill ua hEidinnMael Fabhaill Ua hEidhinMael Fabhaill Ua hEidhin, king of Ui Fiachrach Aidhne, died 1048.Mael Fabhaill succeeded Mhic Mac Comhaltan Ua Cleirigh. Events which occurred during his reign included:...
, king of Uí Fiachrach Aidni, died.
- 1050. (Cluain Moccu NóisClonmacnoiseThe monastery of Clonmacnoise is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone....
was thrice plundered in one period of three months, once by the Síl Anmchada and twice by the Calraige with the Sinnaig.)
- 1051. Amalgaid mac CathalAmhalgaidh mac Cathal-Biography:Amhalgaidh was the son of the previous king, Cathal mac Ruaidhri, who appears to have died at Armagh in 1043. He was lord in 1051 when the annals state that:...
, king of the west of Connacht, was blinded by Aed ua ConchobuirÁed in Gai BernaigÁed Ua Conchobair or Áed in Gai Bernaig, King of Connacht, reigned 1046–1067.King Art of Connaught was slain by the Cinel-Conaill in 1046, "the second year after his having plundered Cluain-mic-Nois."...
.
- 1052. Domnall Bán ua Briain was killed by the Connachta.
- 1053. Mac na hAidche ua Ruairc, heir designate of Connacht, was killed by Diarmait ua Cuinn on Inis Locha Arbach. ... Murchad ua Beolláin, superior of Druim Cliabh—all fell asleep in peace. Lochlainn's son and the men of Mag Itha made a raid on the Cenél Binnig of Loch Drochait, and took away three hundred cows and killed Dub Emna son of Cinaed, prior of Cluain Fiachna, and Cú Macha son of Cleirchén, steward of the Dál Cais.
- 1054. Aed son of Ceinnétig son of Donn Cuan, chief of Clann Tairdelbaig, was killed by the Connachta.
- 1055. Domnall Ruad ua Briain was killed by ua hEidinn.
- 1056. Tadc son of the Cleric ua Conchobuir was killed by the Uí Maine.
- 1057. Domnall Ua RuaircDomnall Ua Ruairc-References:* Leabhar na nGenealach, Dublin, 2004–2005* Annals of the Four Masters, ed. John O'Donovan, Dublin, 1856* Annals of Lough Ce, ed. W.M. Hennessey, London, 1871....
was killed by Domnall son of Mael Ruanaid, king of Fir Manach.
- 1059. Aed Ua Dubda, king of Uí Amalgada, was killed by his own people. Cathal mac TigernánCathal mac Tigernán-Biography:Áed in Gai Bernaig, King of Connacht from 1046 to 1067, had invaded and conquored Maigh Seóla in 1051, blinding its king. Cathal mac Tigernán is the next ruler of the kingdom recorded, but only upon his death in 1059. No details are given beyond that he was killed...
, king of the west of Connacht, Congalach ua Riacáin, heir designate of Temair, Duarcán ua hEgra, king of Luigne, Gilla Coeimgein son of Gilla Comgaill, heir designate of Laigin, were killed. Tomaltach Ua Maíl Brénainn, chief of Síl Muiredaigh, died.
- 1061. An army was led by Aed ua Conchobuir to Cenn Corad, and he razed the fortress and stopped up the well.
- 1062. Rúaidhri Ua FlaithbheartaighRúaidhri Ua Flaithbheartaigh-Biography:Áed in Gai Bernaig, King of Connacht from 1046 to 1067, had invaded and conquored Maigh Seóla in 1051, blinding its king. Ruaidhri, king since 1059, and the family rebelled, leading to the battle of Glen Patrick....
, king of the west of Connacht, was killed in battle by Aed ua Conchobuir. Tadg son of Aed ua Conchobuir was treacherously killed by the Clann Choscraigh and the west of Connacht. A raid was made by Ardgar mac Lochlainn into the province of Connacht, and they carried off six thousand cows and a thousand people.
- 1063. A great billeting was imposed by Lochlainn's son from Glenn Suilidhe west to the west of Luigne and to Muaidh Ua nAmalgaidh, where the kings of all Connacht came into his house, including Aed ua Concobuir and Aed grandson of Niall ua Ruairc and the son of Art ua Ruairc. The cave of Aill in Cera was taken by the Connachta against the followers of Aed ua Concobuir, and one hundred and sixty were stifled therein.
- 1065. The son of Tadc ua Cellaigh, king of Uí Mhaine, and ua Flaithbhertaigh, king of the west of Connacht, were killed by Aed ua Conchobuir.
- 1066. Aed ua Ruairc, king of Uí Briúin, died immediately after plundering the shrine of Patrick. Cellach son of Muirchertach ua Cellaigh, Gilla Braite, king of Uí BriúinUí BriúinThe Uí Briúin were an Irish kin-group. Their eponymous apical ancestor was Brion, son of Eochaid Mugmedon and Mongfind, and an elder half brother of Niall of the Nine Hostages. They formed part of the Connachta, along with the Uí Fiachrach and Uí Ailello, putative descendants of Eochaid Mugmedon's...
, the son of Senán, king of Gaileng, Gilla Moninne son of Aed son of the grandson of Ualgarg, were killed. A great harvest of nuts in all Ireland, so that it hindered the rivers.
- 1067. A hosting by Tairdelbach ua Briain to Loch Cime, and ua Conchobuir, king of Ciarraige Luachra, was killed on the hosting. Aed ua Conchobuir i.e. Aed of the gapped spear, overlong of the province of Connacht, valiant steersman of Leth Cuinn, was killed by the Conmaicne in a battle in which many fell, and Aed ua Concenaind, king of Uí DíarmataUí DíarmataUí Díarmata was a local kingdom located in what is now north County Galway.-Origins:The ruling dynasty took its name from King Diarmait Finn of Connacht , and the territory in turn was named after them. It seems to have been created by the Uí Briúin in the ninth century during a wave of expansion...
and many others with them, i.e. by Aed son of Art Uallach ua Ruairc in the battle of Turloch Adhnach. - Seven and sixty years, no trifle/And a thousand, a great virtue/From the birth of Christ, no perverse sway/Until Aed king of Connacht fell.
- 1076. An army was led by Tairdelbach into Connachta, and the king of Connacht, i.e. Ruaidrí ua Conchobuir, came into his house.
- 1078. Domnall grandson of Tigernán, king of Conmaicne ... killed.
- 1079. Cellach ua Ruanada, chief ollav of Ireland ... the son of Conn, head of the poor of Cluain Moccu Nóis, rested in peace.
- 1082. Gilla Críst Ua Maelfabhaill, king of Carraic Brachaidhe, Finnchad son of Amalgaidh, chief of Clann Bresail, Domnall son of Conchobor ua Briain, Cathal son of Aed ua Conchobuir, Flaithbertach ua Maeladúin, king of Lorg, Uidrín son of Mael Muire, chief of Cenél Feradaigh—all were killed. (Domnall son of Tadc ua Conchobuir, heir designate of Connacht, was treacherously killed by Cathal ua Conchobuir. Cathal ua Conchobuir, with a great company, fell in battle by Ruaidrí ua Conchobuir.)
- 1084. Donnchad ua Mael Ruanaid, harrier of the churches, was killed, both body and soul, by the men of Lurg. The defeat of Móin Cruinneoici was inflicted by Leth Moga on Donnchad ua Ruairc, and in it fell ua Ruairc, i.e. Donnchad son of Cailech ua Ruairc and Ceinnétigh ua Briain and many others on the fourteenth of the Kalends of November 19 Oct.
- 1085. Murchad ua Maeldoraid, king of Cenél Conaill, Domnall son of Mael Coluim, king of Scotland, Muiredach son of Ruaidrí ua Ruadacán, Ualgarc ua Ruairc, heir designate of Connacht, Aengus ua Caíndelbáin, king of Loegaire, ended their life unhappily.
- 1087. A battle i.e. in Corann between Ruaidrí ua Concobuir, king of Connacht, and Aed ua Ruairc, king of Conmaicne, in which fell Aed, king of Conmaicne, and the nobles of Conmaicne. A sea expedition by the grandsons of Ragnall and by the son of the king of Ulaid into Man, and in it fell the grandsons of Ragnall. A great harvest of mast in this year.
- 1088. An army was led by Domnall grandson of Lochlainn, king of AilechAilechAilech was a medieval kingdom in Ireland, roughly centred on modern-day County Tyrone and the Inishowen peninsula in Ulster....
, into Connacht, and Ruaidrí gave the hostages of Connacht to him, and they went together into Mumu and burned Luimnech and the plain as far as Dún Ached, and they brought away the head of the son of Cailech, and they razed Cenn Coradh and so on. Tigernach ua Broein, superior of Cluain Moccu NóisClonmacnoiseThe monastery of Clonmacnoise is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone....
, rested in Christ. In this year was born Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir, king of IrelandKing of IrelandA monarchical polity has existed in Ireland during three periods of its history, finally ending in 1801. The designation King of Ireland and Queen of Ireland was used during these periods...
.
- 1090. Taithlech ua hEgra was taken prisoner.
- 1091. The son of Aed son of Ruaidrí, king of the west of Connacht, died. This was a fruitful year with good weather.
- 1092. The pious man ua Fallomhain of the Connachtmen was drowned. Cluain Moccu Nóis was ravaged by the men of Mumu. Ruaidrí ua Conchobuir, over-king of Connacht, was blinded by Flaithbertaigh Ua FlaithbertaighFlaithbertaigh Ua Flaithbertaigh-Biography:Flaithbertaigh was third or fourth chief of the Muintir Murchada since their expulsion from Uí Briúin Seóla by the Ua Conchobair kings of Connacht...
in treachery. Connmach ua Cairill, noble bishop of Connacht, rested.
- 1093. The Síl Muiredaigh were expelled from Connacht by Muirchertach ua Briain. The Síl Muiredaigh were back in Connacht without permission. A great harvest of mast in this year.
- 1094. A defeat was inflicted by the Síl Muiredaigh on Tuadmumu, in which fell three hundred or a little more. Extremely bad weather throughout Ireland, which gave rise to want. The battle of Fidnach in which half of the west of Connacht fell and half of Corcomruad, by Tadc son of Ruaidrí ua Conchobuir.
- 1095. Great snow fell the Wednesday 3rd after the first of January, and killed men and birds and beasts. Gilla Ciarán grandson of Ualgarg, chief of Uí Duibinnrecht, was killed by his own people. A great sickness in Ireland that killed many people, lasting from the first of August until the following May Day—i.e. the year of the mortality.
- 1096. Great fear seized the men of Ireland before the feast of John in this year, and God protected them through the fasts of the successor of Patrick and the other clerics of Ireland. Matudán ua Matudán, king of Síol AnmchadhaSíol AnmchadhaSíol Anmchadha was a sub-kingdom or lordship of Hy-Many, and ruled by an off-shoot of the Ui Maine called the Síol Anmchadha , from whom the territory took its name....
, died. Gilla Ossén grandson of Cortén, king of Delbna, was killed.
- 1097. Tadc son of Ruaidrí ua Conchobuir, heir designate of Connacht, was killed by his own people. Flannacán Ruadh, superior of Ros Comáin, rested in peace. A great harvest of nuts in this year: thirty years since the other harvest of nuts to this harvest i.e. the year of the white nuts, i.e. a ‘sixth’ of nuts could be had for one penny.
- 1098. Flaithbertach ua Flaithbertaigh, king of the west of Connacht, was killed by the Síl Muiredaigh. In this year Aed ua Maeileoin, successor of Ciarán of CIuain Moccu Nóis, was born.
- 1099. A great epidemic throughout all Ireland.
- 1102. Domnall son of Tigernán ua Ruairc, king of Conmaicne, was killed by the ConmaicneConmaicneThe Conmhaicne or Conmaicne were an ancient tribal grouping that were divided into a number of distinct branches that were found scattered around Ireland in the early medieval period. They settled in Connacht, where they gave their name to several territories....
themselves.
- 1103. A great war between the Cenél Eogain and the UlaidUlaidThe Ulaid or Ulaidh were a people of early Ireland who gave their name to the modern province of Ulster...
, and Muirchertach ua Briain came with the men of MumuMumuThe word Mumu may refer to:* Muumuu, a Hawaiian dress* Mumu , a 2010 French film* Mumu * Mumu, a monster in Philippine folklore* Mumu, a short story by Ivan Turgenev...
and LaiginLaiginThe Laigin, modern spelling Laighin , were a population group of early Ireland who gave their name to the province of Leinster...
and Osraige and with the nobles of Connacht and the men of Mide with their kings to Mag Coba to assist the Ulaid.
- 1104. Mac na hAidche ua Ruairc was killed by his brothers.
- 1105. Niall Odar ua Conchobuir was killed. Muirgius ua Conchenaind died.
- 1107. Snow fell for a day and a night on the Wednesday 13 March before the feast of Patrick, and inflicted slaughter on beasts in Ireland. Much wet and bad weather in this year, and it ruined the corn.
- 1108. Cellach, successor of Patrick, was on a visitation of Connacht for the first time, and brought away his full dues. Aengus ua Cléirchén, steward of Dál Cais ... died. A great wind came on the third of the Nones 3rd of September. A great harvest of oakmast throughout all Ireland. A fruitful year with good weather and plenty of corn and mast this year.
- 1110. Flann Ua AedhaFlann Ua Aedha-Biography:Flann Ua Aedha is one of the few named successors to Enda of Aran. He died during the fourth year of the reign of King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht, and was succeeded by Maelcoluim Ua Cormacain....
, successor of Énna of Ára, died. A raid was made by Domnall ua Lochlainn into Connacht, and he brought away a thousand prisoners and many thousand cows or cattle. The defeat of Ros facing Cruachain was inflicted by the Síl Muiredaigh on the Conmaicne, and in it fell the three ua Fergaile and many nobles also. A defeat was inflicted by the Conmaicne on the Síl Muiredaigh, i.e. the defeat of Mag Brengair.
- 1111. Very bad weather in the form of frost and snow, and it inflicted slaughter on domestic and wild beasts.
- 1113. A ball of fire came on the night of the feast of Patrick 17 March on Cruachain Aighle, and destroyed thirty of those fasting.
- 1114. Mael Coluim Ua Cormacán, successor of Énna of Ára ... rested in peace. An army was brought by Domnall Ua Lochlainn to Rath Cennaigh, and Eochaid ua Mathgamna with the Ulaid came into his house, and Donnchad ua Loingsigh with the Dal Araidhe and Aed Ua RuaircÁed Ua Ruairc-References:* Leabhar na nGenealach, Dublin, 2004-2005* Annals of the Four Masters, ed. John O'Donovan, Dublin, 1856* Annals of Lough Ce, ed. W.M. Hennessey, London, 1871....
with the men of Bréifne and Murchad ua Mael Sechlainn with the men of Mide. They went thereafter together over Áth Luain to Dún Leodha, and Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir with the Connachta, and Niall ua Lochlainn, his own son, with the Cenél ConaillCenél ConaillThe Cenél Conaill is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Conall Gulban, son of Niall Noígiallach defined by oral and recorded history. They were also known in Scotland as the Kindred of Saint Columba....
, joined his assembly. They all went thereafter to Telach ua nDedaigh in Dál Cais, and they and the men of Mumu made a year's truce. Domnall ua Lochlainn returned home through Connacht.
- 1115. Extremely bad weather in the form of frost and snow from the fifth of the Kalends of January 28 Dec. to the fifteenth of the Kalends of March 15 Feb., or a little longer, and it inflicted slaughter on birds and beasts and men, and from this great want arose throughout all Ireland, and particularly in Laigin. An attack was made on the grandsons of Aed son of Ruaidrí including Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir, king of Connacht, i.e. at Áth Bó, and they were maimed, and he was dangerously wounded. A great raid was made by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir and the Connachta, and they plundered as far as Luimnech, i.e. Tuadmumu, and brought away countless cattle and many captives.
- 1116. Cellach, successor of Patrick, was on a visitation of Connacht for the second time, and brought away his full visitation. There was a great pestilence; hunger was so widespread in Leth Moga, both among Laigin and Munstermen, that it emptied churches and forts and states, and spread through Ireland and over sea, and inflicted destruction of staggering extent.
- 1117. Cathusach Ua Cnaill, noble bishop of Connacht, fell asleep in Christ. Mael Brigte son of Rónán, coarb of Cenannas, was killed by Aed ua Ruairc and the Uí BriúinUí BriúinThe Uí Briúin were an Irish kin-group. Their eponymous apical ancestor was Brion, son of Eochaid Mugmedon and Mongfind, and an elder half brother of Niall of the Nine Hostages. They formed part of the Connachta, along with the Uí Fiachrach and Uí Ailello, putative descendants of Eochaid Mugmedon's...
, with a slaughter of the community of Cenannas, on the vigil of Domnach Crom Duban. ‘The face of the Lord be against those committing these wickednesses, that He may wipe out their memory from the earth.’ Ps. 33, 17. A battle, i.e. the battle of Lecan, was fought by Brian son of Murchad and the grandsons of Cathal ua Conchobuir with the Connachtmen against Tairdelbach son of Diarmait and the Dál Cais, and the Dál Cais were defeated and slaughter inflicted on them. Cathusach ua Cnaill, noble bishop of Connacht ... Muiredach Ua hÉnlaingeMuiredach Ua hÉnlainge-References:* http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T100005C/* http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/G105007/index.html* The Surnames of Ireland, Edward MacLysaght, 1978....
, bishop of Cluain Ferta of Brénainn ... all fell asleep in Christ.
- 1118. An army was brought by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir, king of Connacht, and Murchad ua Mael Sechlainn, king of Temair, along with him, and Aed ua Ruairc, into Mumu until they reached Glenn Maghair, and they gave Desmumu to Mac Carrthaigh and Tuadmumu to the sons of Diarmait; and took the hostages of both. Another army was brought by him to Áth Cliath and he brought away the son of the king of Temair who was in the possession of the foreigners, and the hostages of the foreigners themselves, and the hostages of the Laigin and Osraige. Ruaidrí ua Conchobuir, king of Connacht for a long time, died on pilgrimage in the twenty-sixth year after being blinded.
- 1119. Cenn Corad was razed by the Connachta.
- 1120. An army was brought by Domnall ua Lochlainn to Áth Luain to assist Murchad ua Mael Sechlainn against Connacht, and Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir made a false peace with them. Conchobor son of Flannacán son of Donnchuan, chief of Muinter Birn, was wounded in Sliab Fuait by the Uí Chremthainn, and died of it.
- 1121. An army was brought by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir and the province of Connacht into Desmumu and they plundered from Mag Feimin to Tráigh Lí, both laity and churches, i.e. seventy churches or a little more. A plundering army was brought by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir into Desmumu also and he plundered the termon of Lis Mór and brought away a countless spoil of cattle, and left behind dead Muireadhach Ua FlaithbheartaighMuireadhach Ua Flaithbheartaigh-Biography:According to the Annals of the Four Masters, sub anno 1121: A hosting by Toirdhealbhach son of Ruaidhrí into Munster, and he burned Ciarraighe Luachra and went from there eastwards through Munster, and burned Ua Caoimh's house on the bank of the Abha Mhór, and his scouts came to Magh...
, king of the west of Connacht, and Aodh Ua hEidhinAodh Ua hEidhinAodh Ua hEidhin was King of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne.According to the Annals of the Four Masters, sub anno 1121: A hosting by Toirdhealbhach son of Ruaidhrí into Munster, and he burned Ciarraighe Luachra and went from there eastwards through Munster, and burned Ua Caoimh's house on the bank of the Abha...
, king of Uí FiachrachUí FiachrachThe Uí Fiachrach were a dynasty who originated in, and whose descendants later ruled, the coicead or fifth of Connacht at different times from the mid-first millennium onwards. They claimed descent from Fiachrae, an older half-brother of Niall Noigiallach or Niall of the Nine Hostages...
.
- 1121. A great wind came on the Nones 5th of December and cast the cone from the bell-tower of Ard Macha and wrought great destruction of woods throughout all Ireland.
- 1122. Aed ua Ruairc, king of Conmaicne, fell by the men of Mide when taking a spoil from them. An army was led by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir to Loch Silech in Mide, and the son of Murchad, king of the Laigin and the foreigners, came into his house. Mór, daughter of Domnall ua Lochlainn, wife of Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir, died.
- 1124. The hostages of Desmumu were killed by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir, i.e. Mael Sechlainn son of Cormac grandson of Carrthach, king of Caisel, and ua Ciarmaic from Áine, and ua Cobthaigh of the Uí Cuanach of Cnámchaill.
- 1125. An army was led by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir into Mide, and he expelled Murchad ua Mael Sechlainn from his kingship, and set three kings over the men of Mide. Domnall son of Murchad, however, killed one of the three kings within nine days, i.e. Mael Sechlainn son of Donnchad.
- 1126. An army was led by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir into Laigin, and he took their hostages. Mael Ísu ua Coinne, eminent among the Irish in history and law and the order of Patrick, after excellent penitence, rested in Christ. Domnall ua Dubdai was drowned after carrying out a raid into Tír Conaill. The royal journey of Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir to Áth Cliath, and he gave the kingship of Áth Cliath and Laigin to his son, i.e. to Conchobor. A storm of great war in Ireland, so that the successor of Patrick had to be away from Ard Macha for a month and a year pacifying the men of Ireland, and bringing everyone, both laity and clergy, to uprightness and good conduct. A plundering army was brought by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir into Desmumu, and he plundered Glenn Maghair and brought away a countless spoil of cattle.
- 1127. An army was led by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir into Desmumu, and he plundered Corcach Mór of Mumu and brought away the hostages of all Mumu. The men of Mumu and Laigin turned again on Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir and they forfeited the lives of their hostages, and his son was deposed by the Laigin and the foreigners; for he set another king over them, i.e. Domnall grandson of Faelán. Tailltiu, daughter of Murchad ua Mael Sechlainn, wife of Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir, died. Gilla Críst ua Maoileoin, successor of Ciarán of Cluain Moccu Nóis, happiness and prosperity of the superiors of the churches of Ireland, rested in Christ.
- 1128. A defeat was inflicted by the horsemen of Conchobor grandson of Lochlainn on the horsemen of Tigernán ua Ruairc, and in it fell ua Ciarda, king of Cairpre, and Cathal ua Roghallaigh, and Sitriuc ua Mael brigte, and the son of Aed ua Dubda, king of Uí Amalgadha, and many others. Muirgius ua Nioc, superior of Tuaim dá Gualann for a time, died in Inis in Ghaill. A detestable and unprecedented deed of evil consequence, that merited the curse of the men of Ireland, both laity and clergy, and of which the like was not previously found in Ireland, was committed by Tigernán ua Ruairc and the Uí Briúin, i.e. the successor of Patrick was insulted to his face, that is, his company was robbed and some of them killed, and a young cleric of his own household that was in a cuilebadh was killed there. The aftermath that came of that misdeed is that there exists in Ireland no protection that is secure for anyone henceforth until that evil deed is avenged by God and man. The insult offered to the successor of Patrick is as an insult to the Lord, for the Lord Himself said in the Gospel: 'He who despiseth you despiseth me, He who despiseth me despiseth Him who sent me.' Luke 10, 4. A raid was made by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir into Laigin, and he plundered Loch Garman; thence he passed around Laigin to Áth Cliath, and destroyed many cattle along that way; from Áth Cliath he went to his house again. The disrepute of that expedition lies on Tigernán ua Ruairc. A raid was made by Maghnus and the men of Fernmag into Tír Briúin, and they took great booty. Tigernán with the Uí Briúin and a number of others overtake them at Áth Fhirdiadh. Battle is given between them, and Tigernán and the Uí Briúin are defeated, and three or four hundred of them are killed, for the honour of Patrick. A year and a half's peace or a little more was made by the successor of Patrick between the Connachta and the men of Mumu.
- 1129. The castle of Áth Luain was built by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir.
- 1130. Amhlaíb grandson of Senán, king of Gailenga, i.e. 'Wet Cowl', Aengus ua Caíndelbaín, king of Loegaire, and many other nobles fell by the men of Bréifne at Sliab Guaire. A great harvest of every fruit throughout Ireland generally this year.
- 1131. A raiding expedition was made by Tairdelbach ua Conchobuir and the province of Connacht into Mumu and they plundered Uí Conaill Gabra. An army was brought by Conchobor ua Briain and the men of Mumu into Laigin and they took their hostages, and thence into Mide, and they plundered Inis Locha Seimdide, and their horsemen and the horsemen of Connacht met, and the horsemen of Connacht were defeated.
The years 1132 to 1155 are missing from all extant editions of the Annals of Ulster
Annals of Ulster
The Annals of Ulster are annals of medieval Ireland. The entries span the years between AD 431 to AD 1540. The entries up to AD 1489 were compiled in the late 15th century by the scribe Ruaidhrí Ó Luinín, under his patron Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa on the island of Belle Isle on Lough Erne in the...
.
Connacht in Annals of Ulster, 1156-1166
- 1156. Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobuir, archking of Connacht, tower of the splendour and of the principality of all Ireland for prowess and bestowal of treasures and of wealth to laics and to clerics, rested in peace. Great crop in this year throughout all Ireland. Nine years from the other great crop to this year.
- 1159. A hosting by Muircertach Ua Lachlainn along with the nobles of Cenel-Eogain to Ath-Fhirdeadh in aid of the Airghialla. Howbeit, the Connachtmen and the Conmaicni and all the Ui-Briuin and a large battalion of Munstermen came as far as Ath-na-caisberna to give battle to them. On the other side, the Cenel-Eogain and Airgialla under Ua Lachlainn advanced to attack the same Ford. But defeat is inflicted upon the Connachtmen and upon the Conmaicni and upon the Ui-Briuin, as they were [in] all, namely, six large battalions of them and the two other battalions inflict stark slaughter upon them; to wit, slaughter of Connacht men, around Gilla-Crist, son of Diarmaid, son of Tadhg [Mac Diarmata] and around Muircertach, son of Tadhg [Mac Diarmata] and the son of Domnall Ua Flaithbertaigh, that is, the son of the king of the west of Connacht, and Brian Mainech, son of Conchobhar, son of Toirrdhelbach [Ua Conchobair] and Ua Mandachain (namely, Muiredhach), king of Ui-Briuin-na-Sinna and Branan, son of Gilla Crist Mac Branain, that is, king of Corco-Achlann and the son of Finnan Ua Sibhlen, king of the Ui-Echach of Muaidh; and many other nobles [were slain]; and slaughter of the Ui-Briuin, around the son of Tigernan Ua Cumrain and around the son of Gilla-Finnen Ua Rothaigh and the son of Suibne Ua Galain and the son of Cu-buidhe Ua Tormadain and the son of Aedh ‘of the onsets,’ sub-king [?] of Conmaicni and Ua Donnchadha and Finnbharr, son of Finnbharr Ua Gerudhain, chief of Muinnter-Gerudhain. And a large force of [and the son of Gilla-Ciarain Ua Cennetigh. And ‘Son of the Night’ Ua Cernachain was killed on the morrow on a foray. And the Cenel-Eogain took away countless cattle-spoil on that foray. And the Cenel-Eogain returned indeed with great triumph to their homes after that. A hosting by Muircertach Ua Lachlainn with the Cenel-Eogain and with the Airgialla and the Ulidians and Cenel-Conaill into Connacht, so that they burned Dun-mor and Dun-Ciaraidh and Dun-na-nGall and wasted much of the land besides, until they returned to their own country after that, without peace, without pledges. And it is on that occasion they gained over to them Ua Gailmredhaigh and the Cenel-Maien.
- 1161. Ua hOissein, archbishop of Connacht, passed to Christ. Goeffrey Ua Raghallaigh [lord of Breifni] was killed. A hosting by Muircertach Ua Lochlainn into Tir-Briuin: the way they went [was] past the Confluence of Cluain-Eois, through the length of the country, until Tigernan [Ua Ruairc] abandoned his camp to them. From that to the Well of Messan. The Airgialla and Ulidians [came] to that place to him and Mac Murchadha with the Leinstermen and a battalion of Foreigners [came], so that they all went into the Plain of Tethbha. Then Ua Conchobuir came from the west, across the Shannon and gave pledges to Ua Lochlainn and thereupon Ua Lochlainn gave his entire Fifth [i.e. Province] to him.
- 1162. Mael-Sechnaill Ua Ruairc was slain. The abbey of Boyle was founded this year. The Defender Ua Dubhda was slain.
- 1163. Niall, son of Muircertach, son of Mac Lochlainn, was taken prisoner by the Ui-Maine.
- 1165. War [took place] between the Men of Meath and the Ui-Briuin and it is in that war Sitriuc Ua Ruairc was killed by Ua Ciardhai and by the Cairpri.
- 1166. A hosting by Ruaidhri Ua Concobair into Meath, so that he received the pledges of the Men of Meath. From this, [he marches] to Ath-cliath, so that he received the pledges of the Foreigners and of Mac Murchadha and of all Leinster. From this, to Drochait-atha, to the Airgialla, so that Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, king of Airgialla, came into his house and gave pledges to him. And he went safe to his house after that, after expelling Diarmait Mac Murchadha, king of Leinster, over sea. A hosting by Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, with the Airghialla and with the Ui-Briuin and the Conmaicni, into Tir-Eogain, to attack Ua Lochlainn, by direction of the Cenel-Eogain themselves, in consequence of Ua Lochlainn, arch-king of Ireland, being abandoned by them. So that [Ua Lochlainn] came, with a small party of the Cenel-Eogain of Telach-og, to deliver an assault upon them at Fidh-O-nEchtach. And even those very men, they abandoned him. So there fell in that place Muircertach (son of Niall) Ua Lachlainn, arch-king of Ireland. And he was the Augustus of all the North-West of Europe for valour and championship. And a few of Cenel-Eogain were killed there, namely, thirteen men. A great marvel and wonderful deed was done then: to wit, the king of Ireland to fall without battle, without contest, after his dishonouring the successor of Patrick and the Staff of Jesus and the successor of Colum-cille and the Gospel of Martin and many clergy besides [by blinding Mac Duinnsleibhe Ua Eochadha]. Howbeit, his body was carried to Ard-Macha and buried there, in dishonour of the successor of Colum-cille with his Community and Colum-cille himself and the head of the students of Daire fasted regarding it,—for his being carried to [Christian] burial. A hosting by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair and by Tigernan Ua Ruairc to Essruadh, so that the Cenel-Conaill came into his house [and] gave their pledges to Ua Conchobair [and] he gave them eight score cows, besides gold and clothing. (A hosting by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair and by Diarmait Ua Mail[-Sh]echlainn and by Tigernan Ua Ruairc into Leinster, [and] into Ossory [and] into Munster, so that the kings of all the Half of Mogh came into the house of Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair [and] made him [arch-]king.
Kings and High Kings
Under kings Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (1088–1156) and his son Ruaidrí Ua ConchobairRuaidrí Ua Conchobair
Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair , often anglicised Rory O'Connor, reigned as King of Connacht from 1156 to 1186, and from 1166 to 1198 was the last High King before the Norman invasion of Ireland .Ruaidrí was one of over twenty sons of King...
(c.1120-1198) Connacht became one of the five dominant kingdoms on the island. Tairrdelbach and Ruaidrí became the first men from west of the Shannon
River Shannon
The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland at . It divides the west of Ireland from the east and south . County Clare, being west of the Shannon but part of the province of Munster, is the major exception...
to gain the title Ard-Rí na hÉireann (High King of Ireland
High King of Ireland
The High Kings of Ireland were sometimes historical and sometimes legendary figures who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over the whole of Ireland. Medieval and early modern Irish literature portrays an almost unbroken sequence of High Kings, ruling from Tara over a hierarchy of...
). In the latter's case, he was recognised all over the island in 1166 as Rí Éireann, or King of Ireland
King of Ireland
A monarchical polity has existed in Ireland during three periods of its history, finally ending in 1801. The designation King of Ireland and Queen of Ireland was used during these periods...
.
Tairrdelbach was highly innovative, building the first stone castles in Ireland, and more controversially, introducing the policy of primogeniture
Primogeniture
Primogeniture is the right, by law or custom, of the firstborn to inherit the entire estate, to the exclusion of younger siblings . Historically, the term implied male primogeniture, to the exclusion of females...
to a hostile Gaelic polity. Castles were built in the 1120s at Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
(where he based his fleet
Naval fleet
A fleet, or naval fleet, is a large formation of warships, and the largest formation in any navy. A fleet at sea is the direct equivalent of an army on land....
), Dunmore, Sligo
Sligo
Sligo is the county town of County Sligo in Ireland. The town is a borough and has a charter and a town mayor. It is sometimes referred to as a city, and sometimes as a town, and is the second largest urban area in Connacht...
and Ballinasloe, where he dug a new six-mile canal to divert the river Suck around the castle of Dun Ló. Churches, monasteries and dioceses were re-founded or created, works such as the Corpus Missal
Missal
A missal is a liturgical book containing all instructions and texts necessary for the celebration of Mass throughout the year.-History:Before the compilation of such books, several books were used when celebrating Mass...
, the High Cross of Tuam
Tuam
Tuam is a town in County Galway, Ireland. The name is pronounced choo-um . It is situated west of the midlands of Ireland, and north of Galway city.-History:...
and the Cross of Cong
Cross of Cong
The Cross of Cong is an early 12th century Irish Christian ornamented cusped processional cross, which was, as an inscription says, made for Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair , King of Connacht and High King of Ireland to donate to the Cathedral church of the period that was located at Tuam, County...
were sponsored by him.
Tairrdelbach annexed the Kingdom of Mide
Kingdom of Mide
Mide , spelt Midhe in modern Irish and anglicised as Meath, was a medieval kingdom in Ireland for over 1,000 years. Its name means "middle", denoting the fact that lay in the middle of Ireland....
; its rulers, the Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin is the name of the dynasty descended from Colmán Mór , son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Part of the Southern Uí Néill — they were the kings of Mide — they traced their descent to Niall Noígiallach and his son Conall Cremthainne.Related dynasties descended through Conall...
, became his vassals. This brought two of Ireland's five main kingdoms under the direct control of Connacht. He also asserted control over Dublin, which was even then recognised as the national (political).
His son, Ruaidrí, became king of Connacht "without any opposition" in 1156. One of his first acts as king was arresting three of his twenty-two brothers, "Brian Breifneach, Brian Luighneach, and Muircheartach Muimhneach" to prevent them from usurping him. He blinded Brian Breifneach as an extra precaution.
Ruaidrí was compelled to recognise Muirchertach Mac Lochlainn as Ard-Rí, though he went to war with him in 1159. Mac Lochlainn's murder in 1166 left Ruaidrí the unopposed ruler of all Ireland. He was crowned in 1166 at Dublin, "took the kingship of Ireland ...[and was] inaugurated king as honourably as any king of the Gaeidhil was ever inaugurated;" He was the first and last native ruler who was recognised by the Gaelic-Irish as full King of Ireland
King of Ireland
A monarchical polity has existed in Ireland during three periods of its history, finally ending in 1801. The designation King of Ireland and Queen of Ireland was used during these periods...
.
However, his expulsion of Dermot MacMurrough
Dermot MacMurrough
Diarmait Mac Murchada , anglicized as Dermot MacMurrough or Dermod MacMurrough , was a King of Leinster in Ireland. In 1167, he was deprived of his kingdom by the High King of Ireland - Turlough Mór O'Connor...
later that year brought about the Norman invasion of Ireland
Norman Invasion of Ireland
The Norman invasion of Ireland was a two-stage process, which began on 1 May 1169 when a force of loosely associated Norman knights landed near Bannow, County Wexford...
in 1169. Ruaidrí's inept response to events led to rebellion by his sons in 1177, and his deposition by Conchobar Maenmaige Ua Conchobair in 1183.
Ruaidrí died at Cong
Cong, County Mayo
Cong is a village straddling the borders of County Galway and County Mayo, in Ireland. Cong is situated on an island formed by a number of streams that surround it on all sides...
in 1198, noted as the annals as late "King of Connacht and of All Ireland, both the Irish and the English."
Had the Norman invasion of Ireland
Norman Invasion of Ireland
The Norman invasion of Ireland was a two-stage process, which began on 1 May 1169 when a force of loosely associated Norman knights landed near Bannow, County Wexford...
not occurred, the Ó Conchobair
Conor
Conor is a male given name that comes from the Irish name Conchobhar/Conchubhar or from the name Conaire, found in Irish legend as the name of the high king Conaire Mór and other heroes. It is popular in the English-speaking world...
dynasty may well have established themselves as the royal family of Ireland. The senior head of the clan, the O'Conor Don
O'Conor Don
The Ó Conchubhair Donn is the hereditary Prince and Chief of the Name of the Royal Family of Connacht, the Clan Ó Conchubhair.-Overview:...
, is still recognised as the presumptive claimant to the throne of Ireland, should it ever be re-established.
Connacht in the Annals of Ulster 1167-1187
- 1167. A hosting by Ruaidhri Ua Concobair with the nobles of Ireland about him to Ard-Macha. From this [they marched] to Belach-grene and from this to Fernach-na-mebhla, until the Cenel-Eogain collected a fighting force around Niall Mac Lochlainn, to deliver a camp attack upon the men of Ireland. Howbeit, God prevented that, through the benediction of Patrick and through the felicity of Ruaidhri Ua Concobair and of the Men of Ireland likewise. For [lit., so that] the Cenel-Eogain closed around a sallow brake that appeared like the [opposing] forces, so that each [of them] proceeded to slaughter the other there, except that persons were not killed. So the hosts after that proceeded under Ua Conchobair to go to pillage and burn Tir-Eogain, until some of the Cenel-Eogain came into his house and gave hostages to him. And they went after that, through the length of Fir-Manach and to Ess-ruadh, safe to their home[s]. Uatu Ua Conchenaind, king of Ui-Diarmata, dies a cleric.
- 1168. A hosting by Ruaidhri Ua Concobuir to Ath-luain, so that Ua Gilla-Patraic, king of Ossory, came into his house and gave four hostages to him on the occasion. And he sent his hosts forward, past Ath-crodha, into Munster and himself [went] past Ath-luain into Magh-Lena, to meet the Men of Ireland, until they reached Grian-cliach, so that Mac Carthaigh came into his house and gave nine hostages to him on the occasion. And Munster was divided in two, between the sons of Cormac [Mac Carthaigh] and Domnall Ua Briain and thrice twelve score cows were levied upon Munster in honour fine [of the killing] of Muircertach Ua Briain. So Ua Conchobair returned to his house.
- 1169. In the same year, Ruaidhri Ua Concobair; king of Ireland, gave ten cows every year from himself and from every kind after him to doom to the lector of Ard-Macha, in honour of [St.] Patrick, to give lectures to students of Ireland and Scotland. Ferchair Ua Niallain, chief of the Clann-Uatach, died. Conghalach Ua Tomaltaigh, lector of Cluain-mac-Nois and eminent priest, died.
- 1170. A hosting by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair and by Mael-Sechlainn and by Tigernan Ua Ruairc and by Murchadh Ua Cerbuill to Ath-cliath to give battle to Mac Murchadha and to the Earl. When, however, they were face to face preparing for the battle; they noticed no[thing] until they saw the fort on fire, that is, [by] fire of lightning. Howbeit, after that Ua Conchubair turned back, after refusal of battle was offered to him. Thereafter, Mac Murchadha went into Ath-cliath, after giving his word to the Foreigners of Ath-cliath. And he failed upon his word and many persons were killed there and he expelled the Foreigners. The hostages of Mac Murchadha, namely, his own son and his grandson, that is, the son of Domnall Caemanach and the son of his foster-brother, to wit, the son of Ua Caellaidhe, were killed by Ruaidhri Ua Conchubhair, through suggestion of Tigernan Ua Ruairc.
- 1171. Peter (Ua Mordha), bishop of Ui-Maine of Connacht (otherwise, bishop of Cluain-ferta of [St.] Brenann), a devout monk and authoritative man, was drowned in the Sinand (namely, at Port-da-Chaineg), namely, on the 6th of the Kalends of January [Dec. 27].
- 1172. Tigernan Ua Ruairc, king of Breifni and Conmaicni, a man of great power for a long time, was killed by the same Saxons and by Domnall, son of Annadh [Ua Ruairc] of his own clan along with them. He was beheaded also by them and his head and his body were carried ignominiously to Ath-cliath. The head was raised over the door of the fortress,—a sore, miserable sight for the Gaidhil. The body was hung in another place, with its feet upwards. Tigernach Ua Mael-Eoin, successor of Ciaran (of Cluain-mac-Nois), rested in peace. The full circuit [cess] of the Fifth of Connacht [was carried] for the fourth time by Gilla Mac Liac, successor of Patrick, namely, by the Primate of Ireland, to Ard-Macha. Gilla-Crist, son of the successor of Ciaran of Cluain-mic-Nois, rested.
- 1173. Mael-Mochta Ua Fiadhra (or Ua Mael- [Sh]echlainn), abbot of Cluain-mac-Nois, rested. Mael-Isu Mac-in-Baird, bishop of Cluain-ferta of [St.] Brenann, rested.
- 1174. The battle of Durlus [was gained] by Domnall Ua Briain and by Conchobur Maenmhaighi upon the people of the son of the Empress (namely, of the king of the Saxons. Mael-Isu Ua Connachtain, bishop of Sil-Muirethaigh [Elphin], rested. Muirguis Ua Dubhthaigh, first abbot of Boyle, rested.
- 1175. Meath was wasted from Ath-luain to Drochait-atha.
- 1176. The daughter of Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair, wife of [F]laithbertach Ua Maeldoraidh, was killed by the sons of Ua Cairella[i]n. Fabor and Cenannus were wasted by the Foreigners and by the Ui-Briuin. The castle of Slane, wherein was Ricard Fleming with his host, wherefrom the Airgialla and Ui-Briuin and Fir-Midhe were being pillaged, was destroyed by Mael-Sechlainn, son of Mac Lochlainn, king of Cenel-Eogain and by the Cenel-Eogain themselves and by the Airgialla; where were killed one hundred or more of the Foreigners, besides women and children and the horses of the castle that were killed, so that no person escaped alive out of the castle. And three castles in Meath were razed on the morrow for fear of the Cenel-Eogain, namely, the castle of Cenannus and the castle of Calatruim and the castle of Daire of [St.] Patrick.
- 1177. Milo Cogan with his knights was taken by the son of Ruaidhri (namely, Murchadh) Ua Conchobhuir to Ros-Comain to destroy Connacht, for evil towards his father. The Connachtmen, however, immediately burned Tuaim-da-gualann and the churches of the country besides, for evil towards the Foreigners and they inflicted defeat upon the Foreigners and drove them by force out of the country. Moreover, Ruaidhri Ua Conchobuir blinded that son (namely, Murchadh) afterwards, in revenge of that expedition. Conchubar Maenmhaidhe was taken prisoner by his father, namely by Ruaighri Ua Conchobhair.
- 1178. It is in that year also there came a wonderful, violent wind which prostrated a very large portion of woods and forests and very great oaks full flat on the ground. It prostrated also six score oaks, or a little more, in Daire of Colum-cille. Gilla-Crist Ua hEodhaigh, bishop of Conmaicni [Ardagh], rested. Amhlaibh Ua Domnalla[i]n, ollam of Connacht, rested.
- 1179. Tuathal Ua Connachtaigh, bishop of Tir-Briuin [Enaghdune], rested. ‘The snow of the destruction’ [fell] this year).
- 1180. The battle of the Conchubhars: namely, Conchubhar Maenmhuidhe, son of Ruaighri Ua Conchubair and Conchobur Ua Ceallaigh, wherein fell Conchobuir Ua Ceallaigh and his son, that is, Tadg and his brother, namely, Diarmuid and the son of Diarmuid, namely, Mael-Sechlainn and the son of Tadg Ua Chonchobuir, that is, the son-in-law.
- 1181. In this year also Flaithbertach Ua Maeldoraidh, namely, king of Cenel Conaill, gained a battle upon the sons of the kings of Connacht, that is, on the Saturday of Pentecost [May 23] and there were killed indeed sixteen sons of kings of the sons of kings of Connacht and [there was] stark slaughter of Connacht besides. Tomaltach Ua Conchobair assumed the succession of Patrick and the circuit of Cenel-Eogain was made by him, so that he took away large circuit [cess] and gave a blessing to them. Donnsleibe O'Gadhra, king of Sliab-Lughu, was slain. Domnall Ua Concenainn, king of Ui-Diarmata, was slain. Acan Ua Fallamhain, chief of the Clann-Uadach, dies. The battle of the royal-heirs, wherein fell two sons of Toirrdelbach Ua Concobair, namely, Briain of Luighni and Magnus and three sons of Aedh, son of Toirrdelbach Ua Conchobuir, that is, Mael-Secnaill and Muirethach and Muircertach and others.
- 1182.A defeat [was inflicted] by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobuir and by Concobur Maenmuighi upon Donnchadh, son of Domnall the Midian and upon Ua Maeldoraidh, where many fell.
- 1182. A defeat [was inflicted] by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobuir and by Concobur Maenmuighi upon Donnchadh, son of Domnall the Midian and upon Ua Maeldoraidh, where many fell.
- 1184. Mael-Isu Ua Cerbaill [bishop of Clogher] took the succession of Patrick, after it was laid aside by Tomaltach Ua Conchobair. Another castle was destroyed by Mael-Sechlainn and by Conchobur Maenmaighi Ua Conchobair, with a large number of Foreigners therein. Donnchadh, son of Domnall the Midian, was slain. Gilla-Isu Ua Mailin, bishop of Magh-Eo, dies. Great war between Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair and his son, namely, Concobur Maenmuighi. Brian of Breifni, son of Toirrdelbach Ua Concobair, dies. Flann Ua Finnachta, chief of Clann-Murchadha, dies.
- 1185. Great crop (namely, oak-crop) generally in this year. Wars between Ruaidhri Ua Conchobuir and his son, Concobur Maenmuighi. Domnall Ua Briain [went] in aid of Ruaidhri, so that he destroyed and burned and pillaged the churches of the West of Connacht [and] killed the inhabitants. Cathal Carrach, son of Conchobar Maenmuighi, plundered and burned Cell-da-lua in revenge of those evils. The kingship of Connacht was assumed by Concobur Maenmaighi.
- 1186. Expulsion of Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair by Conchobur Maenmaige, his own son and destruction of Connacht [ensued] between them. Conchubhar Ua Flaithbertaigh was killed by Ruaidhri Ua Flaithbertaigh, by his own brother, in Ara.
- 1187. The Rock of Loch Ce was burned at mid-day, where was drowned and burned the daughter of Ua Eidhin, wife of Conchobair Mac Diarmata, king of Magh-Luirg. And seven hundred, or something more, both men and women, were burned and drowned in the space of one hour therein. Druim-cliabh was pillaged by the son of Mael-Sechlainn Ua Ruairc (namely, by Aedh), king of Ui-Briuin and Conmaicni and by the son of Cathal Ua Ruairc and by the Foreigners of Meath along with them. But God wrought a wonderful deed for Colum-cille therein,—that is, the son of Mael-Sechlainn Ua Ruairc (namely, Aedh) was killed (in Conmaicni) before the end of a fortnight thereafter. And the son of Cathal Ua Ruairc, with whom came the hosting into the house of Ua Maeldoraidh, was blinded in reparation to Colum-cille. And six score of the minions of the son of Mael-Sechlainn were killed throughout the length of Conmaicni and Cairpri of Druimcliabh, through miracle of Colum-cille. Muirghius, son of Tadhg Ua Mailruanaigh, king of Magh-Luirg, died.
High medieval era
Connacht was first raided by the Anglo-Normans in 1177 but not until 1237 did encastellationEncastellation
Encastellation is the process whereby the feudal kingdoms of Europe became dotted with castles, from which local lords could dominate the countryside of their fiefs and their neighbours', and from which kings could command even the far-off corners of their realms...
begin under Richard Mor de Burgh
Richard Mor de Burgh
Richard Mór de Burgh, 1st Lord of Connaught , Justiciar of Ireland.-Background:De Burgh was the eldest son of William de Burgh and a daughter of Domnall Mór Ua Briain, King of Thomond. His principal estate was in the barony of Loughrea where he built a castle in 1236 and a town was founded. He also...
(c. 1194–1242). New towns were founded (Athenry
Athenry
Athenry is a town in County Galway, Ireland. It lies east of Galway city, and one of the attractions of the town is its medieval castle. The town is also well-known by virtue of the song "The Fields of Athenry".-History:...
, Headford
Headford
Headford is a town in County Galway, located 26 km north of Galway city in the west of Ireland. The N84 national secondary route from Galway to Castlebar passes through the town. The R333 road travels from Headford to Tuam. There are many other 'boreens' and third-class roads on the...
, Castlebar
Castlebar
Castlebar is the county town of, and at the centre of, County Mayo in Ireland. It is Mayo's largest town by population. The town's population exploded in the late 1990s, increasing by one-third in just six years, though this massive growth has slowed down greatly in recent years...
) or former settlements expanded (Sligo
Sligo
Sligo is the county town of County Sligo in Ireland. The town is a borough and has a charter and a town mayor. It is sometimes referred to as a city, and sometimes as a town, and is the second largest urban area in Connacht...
, Roscommon
Roscommon
Roscommon is the county town of County Roscommon in Ireland. Its population at the 2006 census stood at 5,017 . The town is located near the junctions of the N60, N61 and N63 roads.-History:...
, Loughrea
Loughrea
Loughrea is a town in County Galway, Ireland. The town lies north of a range of wooded hills, the Slieve Aughty Mountains.The town expanded in recent years as it increasingly becomes a commuter town for the city of Galway.- Name :...
, Ballymote). Both Gael and Gall acknowledged the supreme lordship of the Earl of Ulster
Earl of Ulster
The title of Earl of Ulster has been created several times in the Peerage of Ireland and Peerage of the United Kingdom. Currently, the title is a subsidiary title of the Duke of Gloucester, and is used as a courtesy title by the Duke's son, Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster...
; after the murder of the last earl in 1333, the Anglo-Irish
Anglo-Irish
Anglo-Irish was a term used primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries to identify a privileged social class in Ireland, whose members were the descendants and successors of the Protestant Ascendancy, mostly belonging to the Church of Ireland, which was the established church of Ireland until...
split into different factions, the most powerful emerging as Bourke
Bourke
Bourke may refer to:* Bourke, New South Wales* Bourke engine* Bourke Street, Melbourne, a street in Melbourne, Australia-People with the surname:* Jamie Bourke, Australian ice hockey player...
of Mac William Eighter in north Connacht, and Burke of Clanricarde
Clanricarde
Clanricarde was a term meaning both a territory and a title in Ireland between the 13th and early 20th centuries.-Territory:The territory, in what is now County Galway, Ireland, stretched from the barony of County Clare in the north-west along the borders of County Mayo, to the River Shannon in the...
in the south. They were regularly in and out of alliance with equally powerful Gaelic
Gaels
The Gaels or Goidels are speakers of one of the Goidelic Celtic languages: Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. Goidelic speech originated in Ireland and subsequently spread to western and northern Scotland and the Isle of Man....
lords and kings such as Ó Conchobair
Conor
Conor is a male given name that comes from the Irish name Conchobhar/Conchubhar or from the name Conaire, found in Irish legend as the name of the high king Conaire Mór and other heroes. It is popular in the English-speaking world...
of Síol Muiredaig, Ó Cellaigh of Ui Maine and Mac Diarmata
MacDermot
Mac Diarmata is an Irish surname, and the surname of the ruling dynasty of Moylurg, a kingdom that existed in Connacht from the 10th to 16th centuries.-Overview:...
of Moylurg
Moylurg
Magh Luirg or Magh Luirg an Dagda, Anglicised as Moylurg, was the name of a kingdom located in the north-east of Connacht, the western province of Ireland, from c.956-1585...
, in addition to extraprovincial powers such as Ó Briain
O'Brian
-Forename:* O'Brian White , Jamaican footballer* O'Brian Woodbine , Jamaican footballer-Surname:* Hugh O'Brian , U.S...
of Thomond
Thomond
Thomond The region of Ireland associated with the name Thomond is County Clare, County Limerick and north County Tipperary; effectively most of north Munster. The name is used by a variety of establishments and organisations located in , or associated with the region...
, FitzGerald of Kildare
Kildare
-External links:*******...
, Ó Domhnaill
O'Donnell dynasty
O'Donnell , which is derived from the forename Domhnaill were an ancient and powerful Irish family, kings, princes, and lords of Tír Chonaill in early times, and the chief allies and sometimes...
of Tír Chonaill.
Lesser lords of both races included Mac Donnchadha
McDonagh
McDonagh or MacDonagh is a surname of Irish origin. They are anglicized forms of the Gaelic name "Mac Donnchadha", which means son of Donnchadh.-People:*Bill McDonagh , is a former professional ice hockey left winger....
, Mac Goisdelbh
Costello
Costello is a surname in the English language. The name is an Anglicised form of the Irish Mac Oisdealbhaigh, meaning "son of Oisdealbhach". The Irish Oisdealbhach is derived from two elements: the first, os, means "deer"; the second element, dealbhach, means "in the form of", "resembling"...
, Mac Bhaldrin
Waldron
Waldron may refer to:Surname:* Adelbert Waldron, United States Army sniper* Alfred M. Waldron, United States politician* Caroline Waldron, British actress* Duncan Waldron, astronomer and photographer* Henry Waldron, United States politician...
, Mac Siurtain
Mac Jordan of Connacht
Mac Siúrtáin, aka Mac Jordan and Jordan, is the name of an Connacht family of Norman-Irish origins.-Ancestry:The family take their name from the Norman knight, Jordan de Exeter, whose descendants became known as Mac Mac Siúrtáin - the Gaelic form of Jordan - and were based in County Mayo.The de...
, Ó hEaghra
O'Hara
O'Hara is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ó hEaghra. The death of the eponyum is mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters - 926. Eaghra Poprigh mac Saorghus, lord of Luighne, in Connaught .....
, Ó Flaithbeheraigh
O'Flaherty
Ó Flaithbertaigh, Gaelic-Irish surname, anglicized as O'Flaherty-Overview:This Gaelic-Irish surname is written as "Ua Flaithbertach" or "Ua Flaithbertaig" in Old Irish and Middle Irish texts....
, Ó Dubhda
Dowd
Dowd is a derivation of an ancient surname which was once common in Ireland but is now quite rare. The name Dowd is an Anglicisation of the original Ui Dubhda, through its more common form O'Dowd. The Ui Dubhda are one of the Clann Ui Fiachrach, one of the major families of Irish clans.- People :*...
, Ó Seachnasaigh
O'Shaughnessy
Ó Seachnasaigh, O'Shaughnessy, collectively Uí Sheachnasaigh, clan name Cinél nAedha na hEchtghe, is a family surname of Irish origin.The name is found primarily in County Galway and County Limerick...
, Ó Manacháin
Monahan
Monahan is a name of Gaelic origin, derived from manacháin, meaning "monk" after the warrior monk O'Manacháin, and may refer to the following:-People:*Andrew Monahan, well-known traditional musician*Dan Monahan, American actor...
, Seoighe, Ó Máille
O'Malley
O'Malley may refer to:* Charles O'Malley, an eponymous character in a novel by Charles Lever.* O'Malley , people with the surname O'Malley* Ó Máille clan, an Irish clan name anglicized as O'Malley...
, Ó Ruairc
Rourke
Rourke is a surname that refers to:*Allan Rourke , Canadian professional ice hockey player*Andy Rourke , English bass guitarist*Constance Rourke , American author and educator...
, Ó Madadháin
Madden
Madden may refer to:People* Madudan mac Gadhra Mór ancestor of the Madden family of County Galway* Benji and Joel Madden of the pop-punk band Good Charlotte* Bill Madden , columnist for the New York Daily News...
, Bairéad
Barrett
- Court cases :* Barrett v. Rosenthal, a 2006 California Supreme Court case concerning online defamation* Barrett v. United States, a case in which the Supreme Court of the United States held that South Carolina had never effectively been subdivided into separate judicial districts-Fictional...
, Ó Máel Ruanaid
Mulrooney
Mulrooney is a surname of Irish origin. The name may refer to:*Belinda Mulrooney , Irish-American entrepreneur who made a fortune in the Klondike Gold Rush*John Mulrooney , American comedian, actor, and television host...
, Ó hEidhin
Hynes
-People:* Eidhean mac Cléireach, fl. 800, ancestor of the Ó hEidhin/Hynes family of south County Galway*Andrew Hynes , a founder of Elizabethtown, Kentucky*Charles J...
, Ó Finnaghtaigh
Finnerty
Finnerty is a surname of Irish origin. Some of the people by the name are:*Collin Finnerty, Duke University lacrosse player*Cullen Finnerty, Grand Valley State University football team quarterback*Dan Finnerty, American actor...
, Ó Fallmhain
Fallon
- Locations :France* Fallon, Haute-Saône, a communeUnited States*Fallon, California*Fallon, Montana*Fallon County, Montana*Fallon, Nevada*Fallon Station, Nevada*Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada*Fallon Indian Reservation, Nevada*Fallon, Roanoke, Virginia...
, Breathneach
Welsh language
Welsh is a member of the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages spoken natively in Wales, by some along the Welsh border in England, and in Y Wladfa...
, Mac Airechtaig
Geraghty
Geraghty and the variant Garaghty are Irish surnames, and may refer to:* Agnes Geraghty , swimmer* Barry Geraghty , jockey* Ben Geraghty , baseball player* Brian Geraghty , actor...
, Ó Neachtain
Naughton
Naughton is an Irish gaelic surname derived from the name Ó Neachtain meaning 'descendent of the waters'. A Sept of the Dal gCais of the same stock as Quinn and Hartigan where located in Inchiquin Barony, Co. Clare....
, Ó hAllmhuráin
Halloran
- People :*Amy Halloran*Antoinette Halloran*Bob Halloran*Brenda Halloran*Dan Halloran*Jack Halloran*James Halloran*Kay Halloran*Laurence Hynes Halloran*Lia Halloran*Peter Halloran*Shawn Halloran*Walter Halloran...
, Ó Fathaigh
Fahy
-References:...
.
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
, the only significant urban area in the province. After expelling the Burkes of Clanricarde, its inhabitants governed themselves under charter of the king of England. Its merchant families, The Tribes of Galway, traded within Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, as well as Britain
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, France and Spain till it was reckoned one of Ireland's most eminent towns. It was something of an oddity as it was ruled by a merchant
Merchant
A merchant is a businessperson who trades in commodities that were produced by others, in order to earn a profit.Merchants can be one of two types:# A wholesale merchant operates in the chain between producer and retail merchant...
middle class of elected
Elected
Elected is the latest EP by Dutch Progressive metal project Ayreon. It was released on April 25, 2008 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and on April 28 in the rest of Europe...
freemen, whereas both Gaelic-Irish and Anglo-Irish lordships were inherited by those of noble
Nobility
Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be...
blood, or violently seized. Its mayor enjoyed supreme power but only for the length of his office, rarely more than a year. Galway's inhabitants were of mixed descent, its families bearing surnames of Gaelic, French, English, Welsh, Norman and other origins. In contrast to much of the rest of the province, they were literate and multi-lingual and actively sought the protection of the English Crown. They however remained devout Catholics, which displeased the Anglo-Irish administration, and later, the House of Stuart
House of Stuart
The House of Stuart is a European royal house. Founded by Robert II of Scotland, the Stewarts first became monarchs of the Kingdom of Scotland during the late 14th century, and subsequently held the position of the Kings of Great Britain and Ireland...
.
Connacht was the site of two of the bloodiest battles in Irish history, the Second Battle of Athenry
Second Battle of Athenry
The Second Battle of Athenry took place at Athenry in Ireland on 10 August 1316 during the Bruce campaign in Ireland.-Overview:The collective number of both armies are unknown, and can only be estimated. Martyn believes the royal army to have been as much as or more than a thousand, while that of...
(1316) and the Battle of Knockdoe
Battle of Knockdoe
The Battle of Knockdoe was a conflict between the Hiberno-Norman de Burghs and Anglo-Norman Fitzgeralds, along with their respective Irish allies. On the 19th of August 1504, the Parish of Lackagh was the site of what appears to have been an unusually bloody conflict, arising from a dispute...
(1504). The casualties of both battles were measured in several thousand, unusually high for Irish warfare. A third battle at Aughrim in 1691 resulted in an estimated 10,000 deaths.
All of Connacht's lordships remained in states of full or semi-independence from other Gaelic-Irish and Anglo-Irish rulers till the late 16th century, when the Tudor conquest of Ireland (c. 1534–1603) brought all under the direct rule of King James I of England
James I of England
James VI and I was King of Scots as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the English and Scottish crowns on 24 March 1603...
. The counties were created from c. 1569 onwards.
The Arts c.1100 to 1700
Literary and historical works were produced in Connacht during these centuries included the Book of BallymoteBook of Ballymote
The Book of Ballymote , named for the parish of Ballymote, County Sligo, was written in 1390 or 1391....
(c.1391), the Great Book of Lecan
Great Book of Lecan
The Book of Lecan is a medieval Irish manuscript written between 1397 and 1418. It is in the possession of the Royal Irish Academy....
(between 1397 and 1418), An Leabhar Breac
An Leabhar Breac
Leabhar Breac , now less commonly Leabhar Mór Dúna Doighre or possibly erroneously, Leabhar Breac Mic Aodhagáin , is a medieval Irish vellum manuscript containing Middle Irish and Hiberno-Latin writings...
(c. 1411), Egerton 1782
Egerton 1782
MS Egerton 1782 is the index title of an early sixteenth-century Irish vellum manuscript housed in the Egerton Collection of the British Library, London.-Overview:The compilation dates from c...
(early 16th century), and The Book of the Burkes
The Book of the Burkes
The Book of the Burkes, illuminated Gaelic manuscript, late 16th century.A lavishly illuminated 16th century volume of seventy-five folios, twenty-two of which remain blank. It was made for Sir Seaán mac Oliver Burke, the McWilliam of Mayo. Sir Seaán was the McWilliam from 1571 to 1580, the book...
(c.1580). Writers and learned people of the times included:
- Aindileas Ua ChlúmháinAindileas Ua ChlúmháinAindileas Ua Chlúmháin was an Irish poet.Aindileas was the son of Gilla Aenghus Ua Chlúmháin, ollamh of Connacht in poetry, who died in 1143.No surviving poems by either are known to still exist, except perhaps anonymously...
, poet, died 1170 - Muireadhach AlbanachMuireadhach AlbanachMuireadhach Albanach Ó Dálaigh was a Gaelic poet and crusader and member of the Ó Dálaigh bardic family.The Annals of the Four Masters of Ireland, s.a. 1213, tells us that he was the ollamh of Domhnall Ó Domhnaill...
, CrusaderCrusadesThe Crusades were a series of religious wars, blessed by the Pope and the Catholic Church with the main goal of restoring Christian access to the holy places in and near Jerusalem...
, fl. 1213-1228 - Flann Óge Ó DomhnalláinFlann Óge Ó DomhnalláinFlann Óge Ó Domhnalláin was Chief Poet of Connacht.Ó Domhnalláin was a member of an Irish family of Bards, originally located in Ballydonnellan, County Galway...
, ollamh of Connacht, died 1342 - Aed mac Conchbair Mac AodhagáinAed mac Conchbair Mac AodhagáinAed mac Conchbair Mac Aodhagáin, Irish bard, 1330-1359.Mac Aodhagáin was a member of a bardic family who originated from Park, in north County Galway. He was a scribe of Leabhar Ua Maine , and based in Dún Daighre, , County Galway, and was a ollamh in law for the Clanricarde...
, bardBardIn medieval Gaelic and British culture a bard was a professional poet, employed by a patron, such as a monarch or nobleman, to commemorate the patron's ancestors and to praise the patron's own activities.Originally a specific class of poet, contrasting with another class known as fili in Ireland...
, 1330–1359 - Seán Mór Ó DubhagáinSeán Mór Ó DubhagáinSeán Mór Ó Dubhagáin was an Irish Gaelic poet.-Background:Ó Dubhagáinn was among the first notable members of the bardic family Baile Uí Dhubhagáin , near Loughrea, County Galway...
, historian, died 1372 - Murchadh Ó CuindlisMurchadh Ó CuindlisMurchadh Ó Cuindlis, Irish scribe, fl. 1398 – 1411.Said to be a native of Bally Lough Deacker in what is now the extreme south of Co. Galway, Ó Cuindlis was one of the scribes of The Book of Lecan under the guidance of Gilla Isa Mor mac Donnchadh MacFhirbhisigh, and later An Leabhar Breac at...
, scribeScribeA scribe is a person who writes books or documents by hand as a profession and helps the city keep track of its records. The profession, previously found in all literate cultures in some form, lost most of its importance and status with the advent of printing...
, fl. 1398–1411 - Giolla Íosa Mór Mac Fhirbhisigh, historian, fl. 1390-1418
- Tadhg Dall Ó hUiginnTadhg Dall Ó hÚigínn-Background:One of the most well-known of the late-Gaelic era poets, he was a member of a family of professional poets from north Connacht. He was called dall because he was blind. His mother's name is unknown. His father was Mathghamhain mac Maolhmuire, directly descended from Tadg Óg Ó hÚigínn ....
, poet, murdered 1591 - Baothghalach Mór Mac AodhagáinBaothghalach Mór Mac AodhagáinBaothghalach Mór Mac Aodhagáin was an Irish poet.Reputedly from Duniry, he was of the Mac Aodhagáin clan of poets. In his lifetime, his family were keepers of Leabhar Breac. His poems were edited by Lambert McKenna in 1939.-References:...
, poet, 1550–1600 - Nehemiah DonnellanNehemiah DonnellanNehemiah Donnellan , Archbishop of Tuam, fl. c. 1560-1609.-Background:Donellan was born in the county of Galway, a son of Mael Sechlainn Ó Dónalláin, by his wife Sisly, daughter of William Ó Cellaigh of Calla...
Archbishop of TuamArchbishop of TuamThe Archbishop of Tuam is an archiepiscopal title which takes its name after the town of Tuam in County Galway, Ireland. The title was used by the Church of Ireland until 1839, and is still in use by the Roman Catholic Church.-History:...
, translated New TestamentNew TestamentThe New Testament is the second major division of the Christian biblical canon, the first such division being the much longer Old Testament....
into Irish, died 1609 - Flaithri Ó Maolconaire, theologian, 1560-18 November 1629
- Peregrine Ó Duibhgeannain, scribeScribeA scribe is a person who writes books or documents by hand as a profession and helps the city keep track of its records. The profession, previously found in all literate cultures in some form, lost most of its importance and status with the advent of printing...
of the Annals of the Four MastersAnnals of the Four MastersThe Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
, fl. 1627-1636 - Patrick D'ArcyPatrick D'ArcyPatrick D'Arcy was an Irish Catholic Confederate and lawyer who wrote the constitution of Confederate Ireland.-Background:Born in County Galway, Ireland, Darcy was the youngest son of James Riabhach Darcy by his second marriage to Elizabeth Martyn. James Riabhach was formerly Vice-President of...
, author of the constitution of Confederate IrelandConfederate IrelandConfederate Ireland refers to the period of Irish self-government between the Rebellion of 1641 and the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in 1649. During this time, two-thirds of Ireland was governed by the Irish Catholic Confederation, also known as the "Confederation of Kilkenny"...
, 1598–1668 - Mary Bonaventure BrowneMary Bonaventure BrowneMother Mary Bonaventure Browne, Poor Clare and Irish historian, born after 1610, died after 1670.-Background:A daughter of Andrew Browne fitz Oliver, a wealthy merchant and a member of The Tribes of Galway. She was a niece of Martin Browne, whose townhouse doorway, the Browne doorway, now stands in...
, religious writer and historian, born after 1610 - Dubhaltach Mac FhirbhisighDubhaltach Mac FhirbhisighDubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh, also known as Dubhaltach Óg mac Giolla Íosa Mór mac Dubhaltach Mór Mac Fhirbhisigh, Duald Mac Firbis, Dudly Ferbisie, and Dualdus Firbissius was an Irish scribe, translator, historian and genealogist...
, compiler of Leabhar na nGenealachLeabhar na nGenealachLeabhar na nGenealach is a massive genealogical collection written mainly in the years 1649 to 1650, at the college-house of St. Nicholas's church, Galway, by Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh. He continued to add material until at least 1666, five years before he was murdered in 1671...
, fl. 1643-1671 - Daibhidh Ó DuibhgheannáinDaibhidh Ó DuibhgheannáinDáibhídh Ó Duibhgeannáin Dáibhídh mac Matthew Glas Ó Duibhgeannáin, or Dáibhídh Bacach as he sometimes called himself, was an active scribe, compiler and poet between the years 1651 and 1696. In the earliest of his known works, Royal Irish Academy Ms...
, scribeScribeA scribe is a person who writes books or documents by hand as a profession and helps the city keep track of its records. The profession, previously found in all literate cultures in some form, lost most of its importance and status with the advent of printing...
, compiler, poet, died 1696 - Thomas ConnellanThomas ConnellanThomas Connellan was an Irish composer.Connellan was born about 1640/1645 at Cloonmahon, County Sligo. Both he and his brother, William Connellan became harpers...
, composer, c. 1640/1645–1698
Confederate and Williamite Wars
During the 17th century representatives from Connacht played leading roles in Confederate IrelandConfederate Ireland
Confederate Ireland refers to the period of Irish self-government between the Rebellion of 1641 and the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in 1649. During this time, two-thirds of Ireland was governed by the Irish Catholic Confederation, also known as the "Confederation of Kilkenny"...
and during the Williamite War in Ireland
Williamite war in Ireland
The Williamite War in Ireland—also called the Jacobite War in Ireland, the Williamite-Jacobite War in Ireland and in Irish as Cogadh an Dá Rí —was a conflict between Catholic King James II and Protestant King William of Orange over who would be King of England, Scotland and Ireland...
. Its main town, Galway, endured several sieges (see Sieges of Galway
Sieges of Galway
The city of Galway, Ireland - built as a naval base and military fort by Tairrdelbach mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair in 1124, refounded as a military outpost and town by Richard Mor de Burgh in 1230 - has been subjected to a number of battles, sacks and sieges...
), while warfare, plague, famine and sectarian massacres killed about a third of the population by 1655.
One of the last battles fought in pre-20th century Ireland occurred in Connacht, the Battle of Aughrim
Battle of Aughrim
The Battle of Aughrim was the decisive battle of the Williamite War in Ireland. It was fought between the Jacobites and the forces of William III on 12 July 1691 , near the village of Aughrim in County Galway....
on 12 July 1691.
Early modern era
Connacht was mainly at peace between 1691 and 1798. A population explosionOverpopulation
Overpopulation is a condition where an organism's numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitat. The term often refers to the relationship between the human population and its environment, the Earth...
in the early 18th century was curbed by the Irish Famine (1740–1741), which led to many deaths and some emigration. Its memory has been overshadowed by the Great Famine (Ireland) one hundred years later.
The Republic of Connaught
Republic of Connaught
The Irish Republic, more commonly referred to as the Republic of Connacht, was a short-lived Irish breakaway state established with French Directory military support for 13 days during the Irish Rebellion of 1798.-Proclamation:...
had a brief existence in 1798 with French military support.
Learned people from the province in this era included the following:
- Richard Lynch (Jesuit)Richard Lynch (Jesuit)Richard Lynch was an Irish theologian and Jesuit.Born in Galway to one of The Tribes of Galway, he was educated by the Jesuits at Compostela and joined the society in 1630. In 1637 he was made rector of the Irish College in Seville. He died at Salamanca in 1637 having lived most of his life in Spain...
, theologian (1611–1676) - Ruaidhrí Ó FlaithbheartaighRuaidhri Ó FlaithbheartaighRuaidhri Ó Flaithbheartaigh, King of Iar Connacht and Chief of the Name, fl. 1244-1273.-Biography:Ruaidhri was a brother of the preceding chief, Morogh...
, chronology and antiquarianAntiquarianAn antiquarian or antiquary is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. More specifically, the term is used for those who study history with particular attention to ancient objects of art or science, archaeological and historic sites, or historic archives and manuscripts...
(1629-c.17180 - Francis MartinFrancis Martin-Biography:He was born in Galway during the occupation of the town by the Cromwellian army, his family been one of the Tribes of Galway. He was educated in one of the secret schools in the city. In 1673 he began his studies for the priesthood in Louvain with the Augustinian order. Ordained there in...
, Professor of Greek and theologian (1652–1722) - John Fergus (scholar)John Fergus (scholar)Dr. John Fergus, Irish physician and man of letters, c.1700 – c.1761.A descendant of the Ó Fearghuis medical family of Connacht, Doctor Fergus a native of County Mayo but moved to Dublin city early in his adult life....
, member of Ó Neachtáin literary circle (c.1700-c.1761) - Tomás Ó CaisideTomás Ó CaisideTomás Ó Caiside, aka An Caisideach Bán, c. 1709 - 1773?, was an Irish friar, soldier, and poet.Ó Caiside's family were of Ulster stock, his parents settleing in Leacht na Drisheacain...
, soldier and poet (c.1709-1733?) - Charles O'Conor (historian)Charles O'Conor (historian)Charles O'Conor Don, The O'Conor Don, Prince of Connacht of Belanagare was an Irish writer and antiquarian who was enormously influential as a protagonist for the preservation of Irish culture and history in the eighteenth century...
(1710–1791) - Count Patrick D'ArcyCount Patrick D'ArcyCount Patrick D'Arcy was an Irish mathematician, and soldier.Born at Kiltullagh House, County Galway, D'Arcy was a descendant of the Irish Confederate Patrick Darcy , his parents were John D'Arcy and Jane Lynch , both members of the Tribes of Galway...
, mathematicianMathematicianA mathematician is a person whose primary area of study is the field of mathematics. Mathematicians are concerned with quantity, structure, space, and change....
and soldier (1725–1779) - Richard KirwanRichard KirwanRichard Kirwan FRS was an Irish scientist. He is remembered today, if at all, for being one of the last supporters of the theory of phlogiston. Kirwan was active in the fields of chemistry, meteorology, and geology...
, scientist (1733–1812) - Riocard Bairéad, poet (1740–1819)
- William James MacNevenWilliam James MacNevenWilliam James MacNeven was an Irish-American physician and writer.-Life:...
, physicianPhysicianA physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
and scientist (1763–1841) - William HigginsWilliam Higgins (chemist)William Higgins , an Irish chemist, was one of the early proponents of atomic theory. Known mainly for his speculative ideas on chemical combination, William Higgins is popular for the insights his life offers into the emergence of chemistry as a career during the British industrial revolution...
, chemistChemistA chemist is a scientist trained in the study of chemistry. Chemists study the composition of matter and its properties such as density and acidity. Chemists carefully describe the properties they study in terms of quantities, with detail on the level of molecules and their component atoms...
(1763–1825) - Antoine Ó RaifteiriAntoine Ó RaifteiriAntoine Ó Raifteiri was an Irish language poet who is often called the last of the wandering bards.-Biography:...
bardBardIn medieval Gaelic and British culture a bard was a professional poet, employed by a patron, such as a monarch or nobleman, to commemorate the patron's ancestors and to praise the patron's own activities.Originally a specific class of poet, contrasting with another class known as fili in Ireland...
(1784–1835) - James HardimanJames HardimanJames Hardiman , also known as Séamus Ó hArgadáin, was a librarian at Queen's College, Galway. The university library now bears his name...
, folklorist and historian (1792–1855) - Joseph Patrick HavertyJoseph Patrick HavertyJoseph Patrick Haverty RHA was an Irish painter.-Biography:A native of Galway City, Haverty was first recognized in 1814 after sending a painting to the Hibernian Society of Artists. His 1844 piece, The Limerick Piper, became one of the most famous 19th century lithographs...
, painterPaintingPainting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface . The application of the medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush but other objects can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. However, painting is...
(1794–1864) - James Curley (astronomer)James Curley (astronomer)James Curley was an Irish-American astronomer.He was born at Athleague, County Roscommon, Ireland. His early education was limited, though his talent for mathematics was discovered, and to some extent developed, by a teacher in his native town...
, astronomerAstronomerAn astronomer is a scientist who studies celestial bodies such as planets, stars and galaxies.Historically, astronomy was more concerned with the classification and description of phenomena in the sky, while astrophysics attempted to explain these phenomena and the differences between them using...
and mathematicianMathematicianA mathematician is a person whose primary area of study is the field of mathematics. Mathematicians are concerned with quantity, structure, space, and change....
(1796–1880) - Colm de BhailísColm de BhailísColm de Bhailís was an Irish poet and songwriter, from Lettermullen, Connemara, Ireland.De Bhailís was a stonemason who travelled extensively throughout Ireland and is believed to have lived for some time in Kilrush, County Clare, and Westport, County Mayo...
, songwriter (1796–1906) - William Cunningham BlestWilliam Cunningham BlestWilliam Cunningham Blest was an Anglo-Irish doctor, the president of the first Medical Society of Chile, creator of the first School of Medicine in Chile, a politician and father of the novelist Alberto Blest Gana.-Early life:...
, medical pioneer (1800–1884 - John Birmingham (astronomer)John Birmingham (astronomer)John Birmingham was an Irish astronomer, amateur geologist, polymath and poet. He spent six or seven years travelling widely in Europe where he became proficient in several languages. In 1866 he discovered the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis...
, AstronomerAstronomerAn astronomer is a scientist who studies celestial bodies such as planets, stars and galaxies.Historically, astronomy was more concerned with the classification and description of phenomena in the sky, while astrophysics attempted to explain these phenomena and the differences between them using...
and geologistGeologistA geologist is a scientist who studies the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth as well as the processes and history that has shaped it. Geologists usually engage in studying geology. Geologists, studying more of an applied science than a theoretical one, must approach Geology using...
(1816–1884 - William LarminieWilliam LarminieWilliam Larminie was an Irish poet and folklorist.He was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, of Huguenot descent and was educated at Kingstown School and Trinity College Dublin, from which he graduated in 1871 with a moderatorship in classics...
, poet and folklorist (1849–1900) - Augusta, Lady GregoryAugusta, Lady GregoryIsabella Augusta, Lady Gregory , born Isabella Augusta Persse, was an Irish dramatist and folklorist. With William Butler Yeats and Edward Martyn, she co-founded the Irish Literary Theatre and the Abbey Theatre, and wrote numerous short works for both companies. Lady Gregory produced a number of...
, dramatist and arts patron (1852–1932) - George Moore (novelist)George Moore (novelist)George Augustus Moore was an Irish novelist, short-story writer, poet, art critic, memoirist and dramatist. Moore came from a Roman Catholic landed family who lived at Moore Hall in Carra, County Mayo. He originally wanted to be a painter, and studied art in Paris during the 1870s...
(1852–1933) - Louis BrennanLouis BrennanLouis Brennan was an Irish-Australian mechanical engineer and inventor.Brennan was born in Castlebar, Ireland, and moved to Melbourne, Australia in 1861 with parents...
, inventor (1852–1932) - Percy French, songwriter, (1854–1920)
- William Butler YeatsWilliam Butler YeatsWilliam Butler Yeats was an Irish poet and playwright, and one of the foremost figures of 20th century literature. A pillar of both the Irish and British literary establishments, in his later years he served as an Irish Senator for two terms...
, poet (1865–1939) - Violet Florence MartinViolet Florence MartinViolet Florence Martin was an Irish author who co-wrote a series of novels with cousin Edith Somerville under the pen name of Martin Ross in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.- Early life :...
, novelist and short story writer (1862–1915) - Grace RhysGrace RhysGrace Rhys was an Irish writer brought up in Boyle, County Roscommon.Her landowner father lost his money through gambling and, after receiving a good education from governesses, she and her sisters had to move to London as adults to earn a living.She was both wife and literary companion to Ernest...
, writer (1865–1929) - Eva Gore-BoothEva Gore-BoothEva Selina Laura Gore-Booth was an Irish poet and dramatist, and a committed suffragist, social worker and labour activist...
, dramatist (1870–1926) - Margaret Burke SheridanMargaret Burke SheridanMargaret Burke-Sheridan was an Irish opera singer. Born in Castlebar, Co Mayo, Ireland, she was known as Maggie from Mayo and is regarded as Ireland's second prima donna ....
, OperaOperaOpera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
singer (1889–1958)
Politics
Connacht–Ulster was one of Ireland's four regional constituencies for elections to the European ParliamentEuropean Parliament
The European Parliament is the directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union . Together with the Council of the European Union and the Commission, it exercises the legislative function of the EU and it has been described as one of the most powerful legislatures in the world...
until it was superseded in 2004 by the new constituency of North–West.
See also:
- Paul Connaughton
- Eamonn Gilmore
- Mary HarneyMary HarneyMary Harney is a former Irish politician. She served as Tánaiste from 1997–2006, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 1997–2004, and as Minister for Health and Children from 2004 to 2011...
- Michael D. HigginsMichael D. HigginsMichael Daniel Higgins is the ninth and current President of Ireland, having taken office on 11 November 2011 following victory in the 2011 Irish presidential election. Higgins is an Irish politician, poet, sociologist, author and broadcaster. Higgins was President of the Labour Party until his...
- Enda KennyEnda KennyEnda Kenny is an Irish Fine Gael politician, and has been the Taoiseach since 2011. He has led Fine Gael since 2002. He served as Minister for Tourism and Trade from 1994 to 1997. He is also a two-term Vice President of the European People's Party.Kenny has been a Teachta Dála for Mayo since...
- Michael P. Kitt
- Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He has been a Teachta Dála for the Galway West constituency since 1992 and was previously a member of Seanad Éireann.-Early life:...
- Seán Ó NeachtainSeán Ó NeachtainSeán Ó Neachtain is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was a Member of the European Parliament for the North–West constituency from 2002, when he was substituted for Pat the Cope Gallagher, until 2009....
- Eamon ScanlonEamon ScanlonEamon Scanlon is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was a Teachta Dála for the Sligo–North Leitrim constituency from 2007 to 2011.-Personal life:...
Sport in Connacht
See also:- Connacht GAAConnacht GAAThe Connacht Council are a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Connacht.-Constituent counties:*Galway*Leitrim*Mayo*Roscommon*Sligo-Special counties:...
- Connacht RugbyConnacht RugbyConnacht Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Connacht that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 comprising teams from the Celtic nations plus Italy. Normally, it also competes in the second-tier pan-European club competition, the European Challenge Cup...
- Connaught plcConnaught plcConnaught plc is a company in the United Kingdom, operating in the social housing, public sector and compliance markets. It is headquartered in Exeter and was a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index before going into administration in September 2010.-Operations:...
- Sligo Rovers F.C.Sligo Rovers F.C.Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at...
- Galway United F.C.
- Mervue United A.F.C.Mervue United A.F.C.Mervue United A.F.C. is an association football club from Galway in the Republic of Ireland.In November 2008, they won promotion from the A Championship to the FAI First Division...
in the League of Ireland First Division - Salthill Devon F.C.Salthill Devon F.C.Salthill Devon F.C. is an Irish football club currently playing in the League of Ireland First Division in the Republic of Ireland. The club hails from Salthill, Ireland and play their home matches at Drom Clubhouse. Club colours are light blue and white stripes and their current manager is Paul...
in the League of Ireland First Division - Castlebar Celtic F.C. in the A ChampionshipA ChampionshipThe A Championship was the third tier in the Republic of Ireland football league system. It was created in 2008 by the FAI to act as the first stop for clubs hoping to move into the League of Ireland, but cancelled at the end of the 2011 season...
Irish language
The Irish languageIrish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
is spoken in the Gaeltacht
Gaeltacht
is the Irish language word meaning an Irish-speaking region. In Ireland, the Gaeltacht, or an Ghaeltacht, refers individually to any, or collectively to all, of the districts where the government recognises that the Irish language is the predominant language, that is, the vernacular spoken at home...
areas of Counties Mayo and Galway, the largest being in the west of County Galway covering Cois Fharraige
Cois Fharraige
Cois Fharraige is a three-day Irish surfing and music festival, first held in Kilkee, County Clare in 2007. The name is derived from the Irish language phrase, "beside the sea". It is notable as Ireland's first surfing and music festival and is a joint project between MCD and Sony Ericsson...
(Irish
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
meaning 'by the sea'), and parts of Connemara
Connemara
Connemara is a district in the west of Ireland consisting of a broad peninsula between Killary Harbour and Kilkieran Bay in the west of County Galway.-Overview:...
, and Dúithche Sheoigeach (Joyce Country).
See also:
- Connacht IrishConnacht IrishConnacht Irish is the dialect of the Irish language spoken in the province of Connacht. Gaeltacht regions in Connacht are found in Counties Mayo and Galway...
- History of the Irish languageHistory of the Irish languageThe history of the Irish language covers the period from the arrival of speakers of Celtic languages in Ireland to the present day.The earliest known form of Irish, Primitive Irish, is found in Ogham inscriptions dating from the 3rd or 4th century...
See also
- Grace O'MalleyGrace O'MalleyGráinne Ní Mháille , Gráinne O'Malley or Grace O'Malley, was Queen of Umaill, chieftain of the Ó Máille clan and a pirate in 16th century Ireland...
- Kings of UmaillKings of UmaillThe Kings of Umaill were rulers of Umaill a kingdom or territory located in the west of what is now County Mayo, Ireland.Its earliest rulers were the semi-historical Tuath mhac nUmhoir. The Umaill, its early historical rulers, were renamed the Uí Briúin Umaill to claim a fictitious relationship...
- Kings of Ui Fiachrach MuaidheKings of Ui Fiachrach MuaidheThe Kings of Ui Fiachrach Muaidhe were the northern branch of Ui Fiachrach, based on the plain of the Muaidhe .The early members of the dynasty were Kings of Connacht, but were eclipsed by the Ui Briuin by the 8th century...
- Kings of Ui Maine
- Kings of Luighne ConnachtKings of Luighne ConnachtThe Kings of Luighne Connacht were rulers of the people and kingdom of Luighne Connacht, located in what is now County Mayo and County Sligo.The southern area was originally known as Gailenga but by the 12th-century called Sliabh Lugha...
- Kings of Sliabh LughaKings of Sliabh LughaThe Kings of Sliabh Lugha were rulers of the district of Sliabh Lugha, located in what is now County Mayo.The Sliabh Lugha area was originally known as Gailenga but by the 12th-century called Sliabh Lugha. Its rulers were the Ó Gadhra, whose ancestors were Kings of Luighne Connacht, an over-kingdom...
- Kings of Airtech
- Kings of Tir Tuathail
- Corca Fhir TríCorca Fhir TríThe Corca Fhir Trí were a people located in the kingdom of Gailenga , Luighne Connacht and Corann The Corca Fhir Trí were a people located in the kingdom of Gailenga (later the Barony of Gallen, County Mayo), Luighne Connacht and Corann The Corca Fhir Trí were a people located in the kingdom of...
- Uí Ailella
- Kings of Ciarraighe Locha na nÁirne
- Kings of Ciarraige Áei
- Coin of ConnaughtCoin of ConnaughtA coin was issued for circulation in Connaught during the reign of King Edward VI of England . It is a contemporary forgery of the extremely rare English shilling of that reign. It was struck in brass, and, occasionally, in copper. This interesting coin was known by the nickname 'Bungal', whose...
- The Connaught Rangers
- Mayo Peace Park Castlebar,Mayo
- Duke of Connaught
- Kings of ConnachtKings of ConnachtThe Kings of Connacht were rulers of the cóiced of Connacht, which lies west of the River Shannon, Ireland. However, the name only became applied to it in the early medieval era, being named after The Connachta.The old name for the province was Cóiced Ol nEchmacht . Ptolemy's map of c. 150 AD...
- Lords of ConnaughtLords of ConnaughtThe title of Lord of Connaught was used by several Norman barons in Ireland.During the Norman invasion of Ireland, William de Burgh was apparently granted Connacht, but never took possession of it. It remained in the hands of native kings until 1224, when Richard Mor de Burgh claimed it on the...
- Provinces of IrelandProvinces of IrelandIreland has historically been divided into four provinces: Leinster, Ulster, Munster and Connacht. The Irish word for this territorial division, cúige, literally meaning "fifth part", indicates that there were once five; the fifth province, Meath, was incorporated into Leinster, with parts going to...