Kings of Munster
Encyclopedia
The name Munster is derived from the Gaelic God, Muman. The province of Munster
was once divided into six regions: Tuadh Mhuman (north Munster), Des Mhuman (south Munster), Aur/Ur Mumhan (east Munster), Iar mumhan or Iarmuman
(west Munster), Ernaibh Muman (the Ernai tribe's portion of Munster), and Deisi Muman (the Deisi tribe's portion of Munster). Ultimately, these were all subsumed into the kingdoms of Thomond
(north), Desmond
(south), and Ormond (east), all of which were eventually subsumed by surrender and regrant as Earldoms in the Peerage of Ireland
. The names exist only indirectly today, particularly in the case of Thomond. The three crowns
represent these three kingdoms.
fell entirely from power, some time after losing their grip on the Kingdom of Osraige
. Thus approximately the first twenty five kings below are best described as Kings of Cashel
, Kings of Iarmuman
, or Kings of the Eóganachta
. Faílbe Flann mac Áedo Duib
, the only exception, was the first Eóganacht to significantly project outside Munster, but Iarmuman was still a great rival of Cashel in his time, and little is known of his successors before Cathal mac Finguine
.
At and before this time also flourished the independent Uí Fidgenti
and Uí Liatháin
, a pair of shadowy sister kingdoms whose official origins appear to have been tampered with in the 8th century in a semi-successful attempt to integrate them into the Eóganachta political structure and genealogical scheme. Diplomatic relations and an alliance were achieved with the Uí Fidgenti, much to the credit of the Eóganachta, but for unknown reasons the Uí Liatháin remained effective outsiders.
Of the Eóganachta
, unless noted.
, or, if marked (E), the Eóganacht.
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...
was once divided into six regions: Tuadh Mhuman (north Munster), Des Mhuman (south Munster), Aur/Ur Mumhan (east Munster), Iar mumhan or Iarmuman
Iarmuman
Iarmhumhain was a Kingdom in the early Christian period of Ireland in west Munster. Its ruling dynasty was related to the main ruling dynasty of Munster known as the Eóganachta. Its ruling branch was called the Eóganacht Locha Léin or Ui Chairpri Lúachra. Their center was around Killarney, County...
(west Munster), Ernaibh Muman (the Ernai tribe's portion of Munster), and Deisi Muman (the Deisi tribe's portion of Munster). Ultimately, these were all subsumed into the kingdoms 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...
(north), Desmond
County Desmond
The Kingdom of Desmond was an historic kingdom located on the southwestern coast of Ireland. The name is Gaelic in origin - Deas-Mhumhain - which means South Munster...
(south), and Ormond (east), all of which were eventually subsumed by surrender and regrant as Earldoms in the Peerage of Ireland
Peerage of Ireland
The Peerage of Ireland is the term used for those titles of nobility created by the English and later British monarchs of Ireland in their capacity as Lord or King of Ireland. The creation of such titles came to an end in the 19th century. The ranks of the Irish peerage are Duke, Marquess, Earl,...
. The names exist only indirectly today, particularly in the case of Thomond. The three crowns
Crown (headgear)
A crown is the traditional symbolic form of headgear worn by a monarch or by a deity, for whom the crown traditionally represents power, legitimacy, immortality, righteousness, victory, triumph, resurrection, honour and glory of life after death. In art, the crown may be shown being offered to...
represent these three kingdoms.
Ancient and Mythological Kings of Munster
- Bodb DergBodb DergIn Irish mythology, Bodb Derg or Bodhbh Dearg was a son of Eochaid Garb or the Dagda, and the Dagda's successor as King of the Tuatha Dé Danann....
, king of the Sid MumuSideSide was an ancient Greek city in Anatolia, in the region of Pamphylia, in what is now Antalya province, on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey...
, and later king of the Tuatha Dé DanannTuatha Dé DanannThe 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....
, succeeding The DagdaThe DagdaThe Dagda is an important god of Irish mythology. The Dagda is a father-figure and a protector of the tribe. In some texts his father is Elatha, in others his mother is Ethniu. Other texts say that his mother is Danu; while others yet place him as the father of Danu, perhaps due to her... - Dedu mac Sin, ancestor of the Clanna Dedad
- Íar mac DedadÍar mac DedadÍar mac Dedad was a legendary King of Munster. He is the father, or in some sources more distant ancestor, of Eterscél Mór, and grandfather of the famous Conaire Mór, both High Kings of Ireland....
, father of Eterscél and grandfather of Conaire MórConaire MorConaire Mór , son of Eterscél, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. His mother was Mess Búachalla, who was either the daughter of Eochu Feidlech and Étaín, or of Eochu Airem and his daughter by Étaín... - Dáire mac DedadDáire mac DedadDáire mac Dedad is the eponymous ancestor of the Dáirine of Munster and father of the legendary Cú Roí mac Dáire. These further associate him with the prehistoric Darini of Ulster. He is probably identical with Dáire Doimthech , an ancestor of the Corcu Loígde...
, ancestor of the DáirineDáirineThe Dáirine , later known dynastically as the Corcu Loígde, were the proto-historical rulers of Munster before the rise of the Eóganachta in the 7th century AD. They appear to have derived from the Darini of Ptolemy and to have been related to the Ulaid and Dál Riata of Ulster and Scotland... - Cú Roí mac DáireCú RoíCú Roí mac Dáire is a king of Munster in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He is usually portrayed as a warrior with superhuman abilities and a master of disguise possessed of magical powers. His name probably means "hound of the plain/field", or more specifically, "hound of the battlefield"...
, Munster king and/or deity known from the Ulster CycleUlster CycleThe Ulster Cycle , formerly known as the Red Branch Cycle, one of the four great cycles of Irish mythology, is a body of medieval Irish heroic legends and sagas of the traditional heroes of the Ulaid in what is now eastern Ulster and northern Leinster, particularly counties Armagh, Down and...
- Note: belonged to the Érainn or Dáirine, the dominant power in Munster into the 6th-7th centuries AD
- Mug NuadatMug NuadatIn Irish mythological history Mug Nuadat was a legendary, supposed King of Munster in the 2nd century AD. He was, according to later medieval tradition, a rival of the High King, Conn of the Hundred Battles and for a time after the year 123 was the de facto ruler of the southern half of Ireland...
, king in late sagas of Leth Mogha, or Mug's Half, meaning Southern Ireland- Note: belonged to the DeirgtineDeirgtineThe Deirgtine or Clanna Dergthened were the proto-historical ancestors of the historical Eóganachta dynasties of Munster. Their origins are unclear but they may have been of fairly recent Gaulish derivation...
, but may be a mythological figure
- Note: belonged to the Deirgtine
- Ailill AulomAilill AulomIn Irish traditional history Ailill Ollamh , son of Mug Nuadat, was a king of the southern half of Ireland. Sabia, daughter of Conn of the Hundred Battles, was his wife. He divided the kingdom between his sons Éogan, Cormac Cas, and Cian. Éogan founded the dynasty of the Eóganachta...
, Mug's son, aka Olioll Ólum, associated with the goddess ÁineÁineÁine is an Irish goddess of love, summer, wealth and sovereignty. She is associated with the sun and midsummer, and is sometimes represented by a red mare. She is the daughter of Egobail, the sister of Aillen and/or Fennen, and is claimed as an ancestor by multiple Irish clans...
- Note: not actually king of Southern Ireland, but mythologically associated with the rise of the Eóganachta (see Battle of Mag Mucrama)
- Lugaid mac ConLugaid mac ConLugaid Mac Con, often known simply as Mac Con, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Corcu Loígde, and thus to the Dáirine. His father was Macnia mac Lugdach, and his mother was Sadb ingen Chuinn, daughter of the former High...
, was High King of Ireland, and Ailill's foster-son- Note: ancestor of the Corcu LoígdeCorcu LoígdeThe Corcu Loígde , meaning Gens of the Calf Goddess, also called the Síl Lugdach meic Itha, were a kingdom centered in West County Cork who descended from the proto-historical rulers of Munster, the Dáirine, of whom they were the principal royal sept...
, principal Munster sept of the Dáirine
- Note: ancestor of the Corcu Loígde
- Éogan Mór, Ailill's son, from whom the Eóganachta took their name
- Note: the Eóganachta were actually founded by Conall CorcConall CorcCorc mac Luigthig, also called Conall Corc, Corc of Cashel, and Corc mac Láire, is the hero of Irish language tales which form part of the origin legend of the Eóganachta, a group of kindreds which traced their descent from Conall Corc and took their name from his ancestor Éogan Mór. The early...
, great-great grandson of Eógan Mór
- Note: the Eóganachta were actually founded by Conall Corc
- Fiachu MuillethanFiachu MuillethanFiachu Muillethan or Fiachu Fer Da Liach , son of Éogan Mór, was a legendary king belonging to the Deirgtine, the proto-historical ancestors of the Eóganachta dynasties of Munster...
, son of Éogan Mór- Note: a king of the Deirgtine who may have been historical, but features only in mythological narratives
- Ailill Flann BecAilill Flann BecAilill Flann Bec, son of Fiachu Muillethan, was an Irish dynast belonging to the Deirgtine, the proto-historical ancestors of the historical Eóganachta dynasties of Munster. He was the father of Luigthech, also known as Lugaid, and thus the grandfather of Conall Corc...
, son of Fiachu Muillethan- Note: almost nothing is known of this figure, except that he was adopted by and succeeded his elder brother, Ailill Flann Mór
- Crimthann mac FidaigCrimthann mac FidaigCrimthann Mór, son of Fidach , also written Crimthand Mór, was a semi-mythological king of Munster and High King of Ireland of the 4th century. He gained territory in Britain and Gaul, but died poisoned by his sister Mongfind. It is possible that he was also recognized as king of Scotland or Alba...
, was High King of Ireland and of territories overseas, and brother of the queen and/or goddess MongfindMongfindQueen Mongfind was the wife, of apparent Munster origins, of the legendary Irish High King Eochaid Mugmedón and mother of his eldest three sons, Brion, Ailill and Fiachrae, ancestors of the historical Connachta, through whom she is an ancestor of many Irish and European nobility today...
- Note: considered Eóganacht in later dynastic narratives, four centuries after his floruit
- Óengus BolgÓengus BolgÓengus Bolg, son of Lugaid, son of Mac Nia, son of Mac Con, son of Lugaid Loígde, son of Dáire Doimthech, was a king of the Corcu Loígde, and an ancestor of the Eóganachta "inner circle" through his daughter Aimend, married to Conall Corc...
, a late king of the Dáirine and ancestor of the Corcu Loígde- Note: features in early stories of Conall Corc, and is an ancestor of the Cashel Eóganachta septs, the "Inner Circle", through his daughter AimendAimendIn Irish mythology and genealogy, Aimend is the daughter of Óengus Bolg, king of the Dáirine or Corcu Loígde. She marries Conall Corc, founder of the Eóganachta dynasties, and through him is an ancestor of the "inner circle" septs of Eóganacht Chaisil, Eóganacht Glendamnach, and Eóganacht Áine, who...
- Note: features in early stories of Conall Corc, and is an ancestor of the Cashel Eóganachta septs, the "Inner Circle", through his daughter Aimend
- Bressal mac Ailello Thassaig, a possible king from the early Uí LiatháinUí LiatháinThe Uí Liatháin were an early kingdom of Munster in southern Ireland. They belonged the same kindred as the Uí Fidgenti, and the two are considered together in the earliest sources, for example The Expulsion of the Déisi...
- Note: AngiasAngiasAngias or Angas, daughter of Ailill Tassach, son of Eochu Liathán, was the wife of Lóegaire mac Néill, High King of Ireland, and mother of Lugaid mac Lóegairi, who later became High King.Her brother was Bressal mac Ailello, a possible King of Munster...
, who may have been his sister, was the Queen of Lóegaire mac NéillLóegaire mac NéillLóegaire , also Lóeguire, is said to have been a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. The Irish annals and king lists include him as a King of Tara or High King of Ireland. He appears as an adversary of Saint Patrick in several hagiographies...
, High King of IrelandHigh King of IrelandThe 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...
- Note: Angias
Historical Kings of Cashel, Iarmuman, and Munster
These were not true kings of Munster until the late 7th century, when the Corcu LoígdeCorcu Loígde
The Corcu Loígde , meaning Gens of the Calf Goddess, also called the Síl Lugdach meic Itha, were a kingdom centered in West County Cork who descended from the proto-historical rulers of Munster, the Dáirine, of whom they were the principal royal sept...
fell entirely from power, some time after losing their grip on the Kingdom of Osraige
Kingdom of Osraige
The Kingdom of Osraighe , anglicized as Ossory, was an ancient kingdom of Ireland. It formed the easternmost part of the kingdom and province of Munster until the middle of the 9th century, after which it attached itself to Leinster...
. Thus approximately the first twenty five kings below are best described as Kings of Cashel
Cashel, County Tipperary
Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation....
, Kings of Iarmuman
Iarmuman
Iarmhumhain was a Kingdom in the early Christian period of Ireland in west Munster. Its ruling dynasty was related to the main ruling dynasty of Munster known as the Eóganachta. Its ruling branch was called the Eóganacht Locha Léin or Ui Chairpri Lúachra. Their center was around Killarney, County...
, or Kings of the Eóganachta
Eóganachta
The Eóganachta or Eoghanachta were an Irish dynasty centred around Cashel which dominated southern Ireland from the 6/7th to the 10th centuries, and following that, in a restricted form, the Kingdom of Desmond, and its offshoot Carbery, well into the 16th century...
. Faílbe Flann mac Áedo Duib
Faílbe Flann mac Áedo Duib
Faílbe Flann mac Áedo Duib was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Chaisil branch of the Eoganachta. He succeeded Cathal mac Áedo Flaind Chathrach of the Glendamnach branch in 628. He was the younger brother of a previous king Fíngen mac Áedo Duib...
, the only exception, was the first Eóganacht to significantly project outside Munster, but Iarmuman was still a great rival of Cashel in his time, and little is known of his successors before Cathal mac Finguine
Cathal mac Finguine
Cathal mac Finguine was an Irish King of Munster or Cashel, and effectively High King of Ireland as well. He belonged to the Eóganacht Glendamnach sept of the dominant Eóganachta kin-group whose members dominated Munster from the 7th century to the 10th...
.
At and before this time also flourished the independent Uí Fidgenti
Uí Fidgenti
The Uí Fidgenti or Wood-Sprung People were an early kingdom of northern Munster, situated mostly in modern County Limerick, but extending into County Clare and County Tipperary, and possibly even County Kerry and County Cork, at maximum extents, which varied over time...
and Uí Liatháin
Uí Liatháin
The Uí Liatháin were an early kingdom of Munster in southern Ireland. They belonged the same kindred as the Uí Fidgenti, and the two are considered together in the earliest sources, for example The Expulsion of the Déisi...
, a pair of shadowy sister kingdoms whose official origins appear to have been tampered with in the 8th century in a semi-successful attempt to integrate them into the Eóganachta political structure and genealogical scheme. Diplomatic relations and an alliance were achieved with the Uí Fidgenti, much to the credit of the Eóganachta, but for unknown reasons the Uí Liatháin remained effective outsiders.
Of the Eóganachta
Eóganachta
The Eóganachta or Eoghanachta were an Irish dynasty centred around Cashel which dominated southern Ireland from the 6/7th to the 10th centuries, and following that, in a restricted form, the Kingdom of Desmond, and its offshoot Carbery, well into the 16th century...
, unless noted.
- Conall CorcConall CorcCorc mac Luigthig, also called Conall Corc, Corc of Cashel, and Corc mac Láire, is the hero of Irish language tales which form part of the origin legend of the Eóganachta, a group of kindreds which traced their descent from Conall Corc and took their name from his ancestor Éogan Mór. The early...
mac Luigthig, founder of Cashel and the Eóganachta - Nad Froích mac Cuirc, unknown
- Óengus mac Nad FroíchÓengus mac Nad FroíchÓengus mac Nad Froích was an Eoganachta and the first Christian king of Munster. He was the son of Nad Froich mac Cuirc by Faochan, a British lady...
r.453?-489- Note: supposed first Christian king of Munster
- Dauí Iarlaithe mac MaithniDauí Iarlaithe mac MaithniDauí Iarlaithe mac Maithni was a King of Iarmuman from the Eóganacht Locha Léin branch of the Eoganachta, the ruling dynasty of Munster. He was the grandson of the founder of this branch of the dynasty, Coirpre Luachra mac Cuirc...
- Note: first King of IarmumanIarmumanIarmhumhain was a Kingdom in the early Christian period of Ireland in west Munster. Its ruling dynasty was related to the main ruling dynasty of Munster known as the Eóganachta. Its ruling branch was called the Eóganacht Locha Léin or Ui Chairpri Lúachra. Their center was around Killarney, County...
- Note: first King of Iarmuman
- Feidlimid mac ÓengusaFeidlimid mac ÓengusaFeidlimid mac Óengusa or Feidlimid Dub was an Eoganachta King of Munster in the early 6th century. He was the son of Óengus mac Nad Froích, the first Christian king of Munster....
- Eochaid mac ÓengusaEochaid mac ÓengusaEochaid mac Óengusa was a King of Munster from the ruling Eoganachta dynasty. He was the son of Óengus mac Nad Froích , the first Christian king of Munster.The chronology of the 6th century Munster kings is confusing in the sources...
, died 522 - Dub-Gilcach mac Óengusso, unknown
- Crimthann Srem mac EchadoCrimthann Srem mac EchadoCrimthann Srem mac Echado or Crimthann Feimin was a King of Munster from the Eoganachta dynasty in the early 6th century. He was the son of Eochaid mac Óengusa and grandson of the first Christian king of Munster, Óengus mac Nad Froích .The Annals of Tigernach record his succession to his father...
r.522-542? - Coirpre Cromm mac CrimthainnCoirpre Cromm mac CrimthainnCoirpre Cromm mac Crimthainn was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Glendamnach sept of the ruling Eoganachta dynasty. This branch was centered at Glanworth, County Cork. He was the son of Crimthann Srem mac Echado ....
r.542?/560-577- Note: defeated Colmán BecColmán BecColmán mac Diarmato was an Irish king, son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Early sources and older scholarship distinguish two sons of Diarmait, Colmán Bec and Colmán Már , although it is now supposed that only Colmán Bec was a historical figure, Colmán Már being a later genealogical invention...
in battle
- Note: defeated Colmán Bec
- Fergus Scandal mac CrimthainnFergus Scandal mac CrimthainnFergus Scandal mac Crimthainn was a king of Munster from the Eóganacht Airthir Cliach branch of the Eoganachta, the ruling dynasty of Munster. He was the son of Crimthann Dearcon mac Eochaid and great-grandson of Óengus mac Nad Froích the first Christian king of Munster...
Airthir Chliach, 577-582 - Feidlimid mac Coirpri ChruimmFeidlimid mac Coirpri ChruimmFeidlimid mac Coirpri Chruimm was a supposed king of Munster from the Glendamnach branch of the Eoganachta. Not mentioned as king in the annals or the Book of Leinster, he is mentioned in the Laud Synchronisms as successor to his father Coirpre Cromm mac Crimthainn. However the other references...
, unknown - Feidlimid mac TigernaigFeidlimid mac TigernaigFeidlimid mac Tigernaig was a King of Munster from the Raithlind branch of the Eoganachta. This branch of the family only rarely provided a king in Munster...
, r.582-588 - Amalgaid mac ÉndaiAmalgaid mac ÉndaiAmalgaid mac Éndai was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Áine branch of the Eoganachta and appears as the first king from this branch....
r.596?-601 - Garbán mac ÉndaiGarbán mac ÉndaiGarbán mac Éndai was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Áine branch of the Eoganachta and appears as the first king from this branch with his brother Amalgaid mac Éndai.The chronology of the Munster kings from this period is confusing...
(c.596) - Fíngen mac Áedo DuibFíngen mac Áedo DuibFíngen mac Áedo Duib was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Chaisil branch of the Eoganachta. He was the great-grandson of Feidlimid mac Óengusa, a previous king. He succeeded Amalgaid mac Éndai as king in 601....
, r.601-618- Note: first husband of Mór MumanMór MumanMór Muman , also written Mór Mumhan or Mór Mumain, is stated to have been a daughter of Áed Bennán, sometime King of Munster, but may in fact represent a euhemerised sovereignty goddess, particularly associated with the Eóganachta.The Irish language tale Mór Muman 7 Aided Cuanach meic Ailchine Mór...
- Note: first husband of Mór Muman
- Áed Bennán mac CrimthainnÁed Bennán mac CrimthainnÁed Bennán mac Crimthainn was a possible King of Munster from the Eóganacht Locha Léin branch of the Eoganachta. He was definitely king of West Munster or Iarmuman. He was the great grandson of Dauí Iarlaithe mac Maithni also a possible king of Munster from this branchThere is some dispute in the...
, died 618- Note: King of Iarmuman and father of Mór Muman
- Cathal mac ÁedoCathal mac ÁedoCathal mac Áedo Flaind Chathrach was a King of Cashel in Munster from the Glendamnach sept of the Eoganachta. He was the son of Áed Fland Cathrach and grandson of Coirpre Cromm mac Crimthainn a previous king of Cashel...
Flaind Chathrach, died 627- Note: second husband of Mór Muman
- Faílbe Flann mac Áedo DuibFaílbe Flann mac Áedo DuibFaílbe Flann mac Áedo Duib was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Chaisil branch of the Eoganachta. He succeeded Cathal mac Áedo Flaind Chathrach of the Glendamnach branch in 628. He was the younger brother of a previous king Fíngen mac Áedo Duib...
, died 639- Note: defeated Guaire Aidne mac ColmáinGuaire Aidne mac ColmáinGuaire Aidne mac Colmáin was a king of Connacht. A member of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne and son of king Colmán mac Cobthaig . Guiare ruled at the height of Ui Fiachrach Aidne power in south Connacht.-Early reign:...
in battle
- Note: defeated Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin
- Cúán mac AmalgadoCúán mac AmalgadoCúán mac Amalgado was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Áine branch of the Eóganachta. He was the son of a previous king Amalgaid mac Éndai ....
, died 641 - Máenach mac FínginMáenach mac FínginMáenach mac Fíngin was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Chaisil branch of the Eoganachta. He was the son of Fíngen mac Áedo Duib , a previous king. His mother was Mór Muman , daughter of Áed Bennán mac Crimthainn of the Loch Lein. He succeeded Cúán mac Amalgado as king in 641 The annals...
, died 661 - Cathal Cú-cen-máthairCathal Cú-cen-máthairCathal Cú-cen-máthair mac Cathaíl , often known as Cú-cen-máthair, was an Irish King of Munster from around 661 until his death. He was a son of Cathal mac Áedo Flaind Chathrach and belonged to the Glendamnach sept of the Eóganachta dynasty...
mac Cathaíl, died 665 - Colgú mac Faílbe FlaindColgú mac Faílbe FlaindColgú mac Faílbe Flaind was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Chaisil branch of the Eoganachta. He was the son of Faílbe Flann mac Áedo Duib , a previous king. He succeeded Cathal Cú-cen-máthair mac Cathail as king in 665. The annals mention no details of his reign...
, died 678 - Finguine mac CathailFinguine mac CathailFinguine mac Cathail Con-cen-máthair was a King of Munster from the Glendamnach branch of the Eoganachta. He was the son of Cathal Cú-cen-máthair mac Cathaíl . He succeeded Colgú mac Faílbe Flaind in 678....
Con-cen-máthair, died 696 - Ailill mac CathailAilill mac CathailAilill mac Cathail Con-cen-máthair was a King of Munster from the Glendamnach branch of the Eoganachta. He was the son of Cathal Cú-cen-máthair mac Cathaíl and brother of his predecessor Finguine mac Cathail Con-cen-máthair Ailill mac Cathail Con-cen-máthair (died 701) was a King of Munster from...
Con-cen-máthair, died 701 - Cormac mac AilelloCormac mac AilelloCormac mac Ailello was a king of Munster from the Eóganacht Chaisil branch of the Eoganachta and the Cenél Fíngin sept of this branch. He was the grandson of Máenach mac Fíngin a previous king. He succeeded Eterscél mac Máele Umai in 702 who had abdicated.The annals report that Cormac fought...
, died 712 - Eterscél mac Máele UmaiEterscél mac Máele UmaiEterscél mac Máele Umai was a king of Munster from the Eóganacht Áine branch of the Eóganachta. He was the grandson of Cúán mac Amalgado , a previous king....
, died 721 - Cathal mac FinguineCathal mac FinguineCathal mac Finguine was an Irish King of Munster or Cashel, and effectively High King of Ireland as well. He belonged to the Eóganacht Glendamnach sept of the dominant Eóganachta kin-group whose members dominated Munster from the 7th century to the 10th...
, died 742- Note: first major competitor with the Uí NéillUí NéillThe Uí Néill are Irish and Scottish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noigiallach , an historical King of Tara who died about 405....
- Note: first major competitor with the Uí Néill
- Cathussach mac EterscélaiCathussach mac EterscélaiCathussach mac Eterscélai was a king of Munster from the Eóganacht Áine branch of the Eóganachta. He was the son of Eterscél mac Máele Umai , a previous king...
, unknown - Máel Dúin mac ÁedoMáel Dúin mac ÁedoMáel Dúin mac Áedo was a possible King of Munster from the Eóganacht Locha Léin branch of the Eóganachta. He was the son of Áed Bennán mac Conaing , a king of Iarmuman or West Munster and great great grandson of Áed Bennán mac Crimthainn who may have been King of all Munster.The Eóganacht Locha...
, died 786- Note: fought a series of battles
- Ólchobar mac FlainnÓlchobar mac FlainnÓlchobar mac Flainn was a supposed King of Munster from the Uí Fidgenti of County Limerick, allies and/or distant cousins of the Eóganachta. He was the first non-Eóganachta to be considered king in some sources...
, died 796/797- Note: possible king from the Uí FidgentiUí FidgentiThe Uí Fidgenti or Wood-Sprung People were an early kingdom of northern Munster, situated mostly in modern County Limerick, but extending into County Clare and County Tipperary, and possibly even County Kerry and County Cork, at maximum extents, which varied over time...
- Note: possible king from the Uí Fidgenti
- Ólchobar mac Duib-IndrechtÓlchobar mac Duib-IndrechtÓlchobar mac Duib-Indrecht was a supposed King of Munster from the Eóganacht Áine branch of the Eóganachta. His last paternal ancestor to hold the throne was Cúán mac Amalgado , five generations previous. His great grandfather Uisnech had been the brother of another King Eterscél mac Máele Umai...
, died 805 - Artrí mac CathailArtrí mac CathailArtrí mac Cathail was a King of Munster from the Glendamnach branch of the Eoganachta. He was the son of Cathal mac Finguine , a previous king. He reigned from 793 to 820....
, died 821 - Tnúthgal mac ArtrachTnúthgal mac ArtrachTnúthgal mac Artrach or Tuathal mac Artroig was a supposed King of Munster from the Glendamnach branch of the Eoganachta. He was the son of Artrí mac Cathail , also King of Munster....
, died (circa 807) - Tnúthgal mac DonngaileTnúthgal mac DonngaileTnúthgal mac Donngaile was a supposed King of Munster from the Eóganacht Chaisil branch of the Eoganachta. He was a fifth generation descendant of Colgú mac Faílbe Flaind , a previous king....
(or Dunngusso), died 820 - Feidlimid mac CremthaninFeidlimid mac CremthaninFedelmid mac Crimthainn was the King of Munster between 820 and 846. He was numbered as a member of the Céli Dé, an abbot of Cork Abbey and Clonfert Abbey, and possibly a bishop...
, died 847- Note: another great competitor with the Uí Néill
- Ólchobar mac CináedaÓlchobar mac CináedaÓlchobar mac Cináeda was King of Munster from 847 until his death. He may be the "king of the Irish" who sent an embassy to Frankish Emperor Charles the Bald announcing a series of victories over Vikings in Ireland in 848.-Origins:...
, died 851- Note: may have sent an embassy to Charles the BaldCharles the BaldCharles the Bald , Holy Roman Emperor and King of West Francia , was the youngest son of the Emperor Louis the Pious by his second wife Judith.-Struggle against his brothers:He was born on 13 June 823 in Frankfurt, when his elder...
- Note: may have sent an embassy to Charles the Bald
- Áilgenán mac DonngaileÁilgenán mac DonngaileÁilgenán mac Donngaile was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Chaisil branch of the Eoganachta, the ruling dynasty of Munster. He was of the Clann Faílbe sept of this branch and a grandson of Tnúthgal mac Donngaile , whom some sources name as King of Munster. His branch of the ruling dynasty had...
, died 853 - Máel Gualae mac DonngaileMáel Gualae mac DonngaileMáel mac Donngaile , known as Máel Gualae, was a King of Munster from the Eóganacht Chaisil branch of the Eoganachta, the ruling dynasty of Munster. He was of the Clann Faílbe sept of this branch and a grandson of Tnúthgal mac Donngaile , whom some sources name as King of Munster and brother of...
, died 859 - Cenn Fáelad hua MugthigirnCenn Fáelad hua MugthigirnCenn Fáelad hua Mugthigirn was a King of Munster of the Eoganachta, the ruling dynasty of Munster. He ruled from 861-872. He was also abbot of Emly from 851-872, an important monastery in County Tipperary where he succeeded a previous King of Munster, Ólchobar mac Cináeda .He was originally...
, died 872 - Dúnchad mac Duib-dá-Bairenn, died 888
- Dub Lachtna mac Máele Gualae, died 895
- Finguine Cenn nGécan mac Loégairi, died 902
- Cormac mac CuilennáinCormac mac CuilennáinCormac mac Cuilennáin was an Irish bishop and was king of Munster from 902 until his death. He was killed fighting in Leinster, probably attempting to restore the fortunes of the kings of Munster by reimposing authority over that province.Cormac was regarded as a saintly figure after his death,...
, died 908- Note: probable compiler of the famous Sanas CormaicSanas CormaicSanas Cormaic , also known as Cormac's Glossary, is an early Irish glossary containing etymologies and explanations of over 1,400 Irish words, many of which are difficult or outdated. The shortest and earliest version of the work is ascribed to Cormac mac Cuilennáin , king-bishop of Munster...
- Note: probable compiler of the famous Sanas Cormaic
- Flaithbertach mac InmainénFlaithbertach mac InmainénFlaithbertach mac Inmainén was abbot of Inis Cathaig and sometime King of Munster in the south of Ireland. Unrelated to the dominant Eóganachta, Flaithbertach belonged to the Múscraige, an Érainn people.-Cath Belach Mugna:...
, died 944- Note: belonged to the MúscraigeMúscraigeThe Múscraighe were an important Érainn people of Munster, descending from Cairpre Músc, son of Conaire Cóem, a High King of Ireland. Closely related were the Corcu Duibne, Corcu Baiscind, both of Munster, and also the Dál Riata of Ulster and Scotland, all being referred to as the Síl Conairi in...
- Note: belonged to the Múscraige
- Lorcán mac Coinlígáin, unknown
- Cellachán CaisilCellachán CaisilCellachán mac Buadacháin , called Cellachán Caisil, was King of Munster.The son of Buadachán mac Lachtnai, he belonged to the Cashel branch of the Eóganachta kindred, the Eóganacht Chaisil. The last of his cognatic ancestors to have held the kingship of Munster was Colgú mac Faílbe Flaind Cellachán...
mac Buadacháin, died 954- Note: fought a series of battles
- Máel Fathardaig mac Flainn, died 957
- Dub-dá-Bairenn mac Domnaill, died 959
- Fer Gráid mac Clérig, died 961
- Donnchad mac CellacháinDonnchad mac CellacháinDonnchad mac Cellacháin was a son of Cellachan of Cashel who is alleged to have briefly ruled as King of Cashel and Munster from 961 until 963, when he was murdered by his brother....
, died 963 (possibly never ruled) - (Máel Muad mac BrainMáel Muad mac BrainMáel Muad mac Brain , commonly anglicised Molloy, was King of Munster, first possibly from 959 or alternatively 963 to around 970, when he may have been deposed by Mathgamain mac Cennétig of the Dál gCais, and then again from 976, following his putting to death of the latter, until his own death...
) (1st reign), (extent of authority uncertain) - (Ivar of LimerickIvar of LimerickIvar of Limerick , died 977, was the last Norse king of the city-state of Limerick, and penultimate King of the Foreigners of Munster, reigning during the rise to power of the Dál gCais and the fall of the Eóganachta...
) (de facto), deposed 968 (according to the Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib)
Kings of Munster from 970
Of the Dál gCaisDál gCais
The Dál gCais were a dynastic group of related septs located in north Munster who rose to political prominence in the 10th century AD in Ireland. They claimed descent from Cormac Cas, or Cas mac Conall Echlúath, hence the term "Dál", meaning "portion" or "share" of Cas...
, or, if marked (E), the Eóganacht.
- Mathgamain mac CennétigMathgamain mac CennétigMathgamain mac Cennétig was King of Munster from around 970 to his death in 976. He is the elder brother of Brian Bóruma and the ancestor of the McMahon family of County Clare in Western Ireland ....
, died 976 - Máel Muad mac BrainMáel Muad mac BrainMáel Muad mac Brain , commonly anglicised Molloy, was King of Munster, first possibly from 959 or alternatively 963 to around 970, when he may have been deposed by Mathgamain mac Cennétig of the Dál gCais, and then again from 976, following his putting to death of the latter, until his own death...
(2nd reign), died 978 (E) - Brian Bóruma mac CennétigBrian BoruBrian Bóruma mac Cennétig, , , was an Irish king who ended the domination of the High Kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. Building on the achievements of his father, Cennétig mac Lorcain, and especially his elder brother, Mathgamain, Brian first made himself King of Munster, then subjugated...
, died 1014 - Dúngal mac Máelfothartaig Hua Donnchada, died 1025 (E)
- Donnchad mac BriainDonnchad mac BriainDonnchadh mac Briain , formerly anglicised as Donough O'Brian, son of Brian Bóruma and Gormflaith ingen Murchada, was King of Munster.-Background:...
, died 1064 - Murchad mac Donnchada, died 1068
- Toirdhealbhach Ua BriainToirdhealbhach Ua BriainToirdhealbhach Ua Briain , anglicised Turlough O'Brien , was King of Munster and effectively High King of Ireland. A grandson of Brian Bóruma, Toirdelbach was the son of Tadc mac Briain who was killed in 1023 by his half-brother Donnchad mac Briain.For the first forty years of his life nothing is...
, died 1086 - Muircheartach Ua BriainMuircheartach Ua BriainMuircheartach Ua Briain , son of Toirdelbach Ua Briain and great-grandson of Brian Bóruma, was King of Munster and later self declared High King of Ireland.-Background:...
, died 1119 - Diarmait Ua BriainDiarmait Ua BriainDiarmait Ua Briain was a 11th century Irish king who ruled Munster from 1114 to 1118.One of three sons of Toirdelbach Ua Briain, he was banished from Munster by his brother Muirchertach Ua Briain shortly after the death of their father in 1086. He lived in exile for several years while his brother...
, died 1118 - Brian Ua Briain, died 1118
- (Muirchertach Ua Briain), died 1119
- Cormac Mac Carthaigh, died 1138 (E)
See also
- Kings of Cashel
- Kings of Desmond
- Kings of Thomond 1119 - 1543
- Princes of Thomond 1543 - 2005
- Irish Royal FamiliesIrish Royal FamiliesThe Irish Royal Families were dynasties who ruled large overkingdoms and smaller petty kingdoms on the island of Ireland over the last two millennia.-Locality:...