The Uí Fiachrach ( Irish pronunciation: [iː ˈfʲiəxɾˠəx] ) were a royal dynasty who originated in, and whose descendants later ruled, the coicead or fifth of Connacht (a western province of Ireland) 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 . Fiachrae and his two full brothers, Brion and Ailill , were the collective ancestors of the Connachta dynasty that eventually became the new name of the province. Their mother was Mongfind .
56-734: The other two dynasties within the Connachta were the Uí Briúin – descendants of Brion – and the Uí nAilello – descendants of Ailill. The latter sank into obscurity at an early stage but both the Uí Fiachrach and Ui Briuin and their many sub-septs featured prominently in the history of Connacht for one thousand years. In the 12th century, an Ui Briuin descendant, Toirdhealbhach Mór Ua Conchobhair became High King of Ireland . Toirdhealbhach’s son Ruaidri mac Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair , would succeed him to become last
112-522: A "false peace". Although Mac Lochlainn remained a threat to Toirdelbach he died in 1121, leaving Toirdelbach the most powerful man in Ireland. He immediately subdued unrest in Munster, causing the "people to cry aloud". Toirdelbhach spent much of his career modernising and improving various aspects of Ireland, particularly in his home province of Connacht. Tairrdelbach constructed Dún Gaillimhe in 1124, for use as
168-465: A fort and naval base, from which the King's fleets could attack all along the west coast of Ireland. A small settlement grew up around this fort and eventually this developed into Galway city. Although the town was destroyed or burned many times over the next few centuries it continued to grow into a prosperous city. He also created a new supply of water for settlements in eastern Connacht when he constructed
224-613: A great number of the High King's sailors were killed. However, the Irish fleet prevailed and the Norse-Gaels were slaughtered. Many of them abandoned ship and were subsequently captured by the Irish fleet. The Norse commander, Mac Scelling, apparently lost his teeth in the battle, but survived. However, the heavy casualties suffered by the High Kings forces appear to have severely weakened his power in
280-493: A rebellion against Toirdelbach in 1136 at a low point in the High King's fortunes. They were defeated by Toirdelbhach and Aedh was captured and blinded– however, Ruadhrí escaped punishment by fleeing to an Archbishop , who protected him from the King. As Toirdelbach did not want any tension between himself and the Catholic church in Ireland , eventually the family briefly reconciled before Ruadhrí again rebelled against his father in
336-492: A single overkingdom, and ruled or took tribute from the older tribes and nations situated between Aidhne and Muaide , but lost their grip on power by the early 8th century leaving them confined to their own strict territory. Uí Fiachrach Aidhne was bounded on the north and east by the powerful independent kingdom of Hy-Many or Ui Maine ; to the west by Lough Lurgan ( Galway Bay ) and the Corco Mo Druad (Corcomroe); and to
392-519: A six-mile-long canal which redirected the River Suck around a castle and towards nearby towns and villages. The route of this damn probably began near the modern town of Ballinasloe which was built on the river later. A political strategy often utilised successfully by Toirdelbhach was the appointment of relatives or loyal nobles as rulers or governors of towns, cities and other lesser regions or kingdoms. This allowed him to keep control of every area in
448-524: A well-defended personal domain within Connacht, an imperium that he would have span all Éire. Dún Mór was its caput , Tuaim Dá Ghualann the seat of its archbishop , and Dún Gaillimhe its main port - military and merchant. Quite an achievement for what is perceived as the 'timeless' western 'fringe' of twelfth-century Europe, but was a dynamic society ruled as aggressively as those in ' feudal ' Europe." (Martyn, 2016, p. 35) Since Toirdelbach's accession to
504-514: The Cong Abbey . This increased his power as he would often have the Catholic Church on his side in any political or military conflicts later in his career which was crucial given to the importance of religion in Ireland at the time, though notably, the church protected the King's son Ruadhrí from Toirdelbach after failed rebellions against him in both 1136 and 1143. The Cross of Cong , made at
560-509: The Gaelic High King of Ireland. The Uí Fiachrach separated into two distinct branches, situated widely apart from each other. The Ui Fiachrach Aidhne settled in the kingdom of Aidhne and established themselves as its new ruling dynasty. The Uí Fiachrach Muaidhe were based along the River Moy in what is now part of County Mayo and County Sligo . It appears that they once constituted
616-590: The High Kingship for over a century, since the death of Brian Boru . In 1114, Toirdelbhach took advantage of political turmoil in the Kingdom of Munster , which at the time was ruled by his uncle, Muircherteach Ua Briain, King of Munster and High King of Ireland, who had previously often supported Toirdelbach as he reigned in Connacht and was the one who backed him to take the Kingship from his brother, had become "sick to
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#1732894640177672-477: The Kingdom of Meath died, ending the alliance between Toirdelbach and Murchad Ia Mael Sechnaill, King of Meath. Toirdelbach defeated their forces on both land and on the River Shannon , gaining the submission of Meath. He later married Connacht noblewoman Cailleach De, daughter of Ua hEidin, who was the mother of future High King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair , Toirdelbach's son. At the end of 1115, he bestowed gifts upon
728-766: The MacCarthy Mór dynasty. But they turned against Muircherteach at Glanmire in County Cork , allying with the MacCarthys to remove the High King from power once and for all. At the same time, Toirdelbach's forces attacked Leinster , Osraige and Dublin , which were still held by the Ua Briain's, removing Domnall Ua Briain as governor of Dublin, and forcing the forces of the three kingdoms to join Toirdelbach in his campaigns against Munster. Toirdelbach even went as far as destroying
784-571: The Second Battle of Athenry in 1316, only Brian surviving. However, by the 14th century their power was much reduced, as was their territory which now almost entirely consisted of the barony of Tireragh . For this reason they were no longer referred to as Kings, but as Taoiseach (Chieftain) of Uí Fiachrach Muaidhe. Here the family became sponsors of the Clan Mac Fhir Bhisigh, a family of hereditary historians and judges. Because of this,
840-563: The cóiced (variously translated as portion, fifth, province) 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 (the fifth of the Ol nEchmacht). Ptolemy 's map of c. 150 AD does in fact list a people called the Nagnatae as living in
896-466: The High Kingship, his long-designated heir had been Conchobar Ua Conchobair, who was Toirdelbach's Tánaiste , and whom he had appointed as his governor of the Kingdom of Laigin (Leinster) and city–state of Dublin within it, and later the province and kingdom of Mide . However, many of Toirdelbach's twenty other sons were very discontented with this situation. Two of them, Ruadhrí and Aedh, staged
952-491: The Kingship, with backing from Toirdelbach and other powerful kings, in an attempt to restore order in the province. However, this war would remain a stalemate for several years, and allowed others both within and outside the Kingdom to scheme and form their own plans against Munster. In 1118, Muircherteach and, with backing from Toirdelbach, Ua Máel Sechnaill, and Aéd Ua Ruairc of the Kingdom of Breifne, attacked Tadgh Mac Carthaigh of
1008-665: The O Dubhda is singular in having his inauguration ceremony preserved in an old book, the Great Book of Lecan . Written between 1397 and 1418 at Enniscrone in Tireagh, it was commissioned by Tadhg Riabhach O Dubhda. A later Tadhg O Dubhda, Tadhg Buí, became Taoiseach in 1595. In 1601 he led the men of Uí Fiachrach south to Kinsale, never to return. A tradition states that "he survived the battle and settled in Co. Kerry, where his family later became known as Doody" . The last true O Dubhda of Uí Fiachrach
1064-465: The Ua Briain palace at Kincora, Killaloe. Meanwhile, in southwest Munster, in modern Counties Cork and Kerry, the Mac Carthaigh (MacCarthys), another royal dynasty of Munster who had been living under the rule of the Ua Briain rebelled. Toirdelbach, eager to further destabilize Munster, backed this revolt. Toirdelbach then resolved the issue he had created by partitioning Munster in 1118. The province
1120-601: The battle of Mhóin Mór. Meanwhile, Domhnall Mór was beginning to fall out of favour with Toirdelbach and his fate was sealed later when he was arrested. This secured Ruadhrí's position as sole heir to the throne. Ruadhrí became the Tánaiste and succeeded Toirdelbach as king following his death. Battle of Móin Mór Despite giving hostages to Muirchertach Mac Lochlainn in 1150, and thereby ceasing to be King of Ireland, Tairrdelbach
1176-456: The behest of Tairrdelbach was designed to be placed on top of a religious staff or crosier. It was made for the Cathedral church at Tuam . The cross was subsequently moved to Cong Abbey . He is also believed to have refounded Cong Abbey ca. 1135. Tairrdelbach's successful and innovative reign as High King of Ireland has been summed up as follows: "[he] was fifty years King of Connacht, one of
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#17328946401771232-450: The church at the monastery at Clonmacaoise , including a drinking horn and chalice. A tactic Toirdelbhach used throughout his career in politics and as High King was divide and rule . This can be seen in several instances, most notably the partition of Munster , which at the time, under the rule of the Ua Briain (O'Brien dynasty) was the most powerful kingdom in Ireland and had controlled
1288-429: The country and avoid rebellions or alliances against him. This can be seen in 1126 when Toirdelbhach appointed one of his sons, Conchobhair, as king of Laigin (Leinster) and the city-state of Dublin. Toirdelbhach realized the political and military importance of Dublin as the city had become more or less the capital of the country. It was also one of the main trading ports of the country. Therefore, control of Dublin
1344-480: The day when he would be king of Connacht. (p. 471,MIAE 2005) However this would not occur until 1106; until then, Connacht endured a prolonged period of civil strife between different factions of the Uí Conchobair, Uí Ruairc of Bréifne as well as more minor families of the Uí Briúin and Síol Muireadaigh , including the long-displaced Ui Fiachrach Aidhne . Tairrdelbach's brothers Tadc and Domnall both gained
1400-457: The defences of the province. Athlone was a strategic location as it guarded one of the few crossings over the Shannon and guarded the area against any invasions via ships sailing up or down the river, especially from Munster whom Toirdelbhach was involved in an ongoing war with at the time. Toirdelbach was also known to have constructed or rebuilt several churches, cathedrals and monasteries, notably
1456-473: The forces of Toirdelbach Ó Briain, killing "7000" enemy soldiers. The Annals of Tigernach describe the battle and victory of Toirdelbach Ua Conchobhair here: "Until sand of sea and stars of heaven are numbered, no one will reckon all the sons of the kings and chiefs and great lords of the men of Munster that were killed there, so that of the three battalions of Munster that had come thither, none escaped save only one shattered battalion." This event, along with
1512-556: The further decline of the Ua Briain dynasty. Toirdelbach had now defeated and partitioned the Kingdom of Munster , gained the submission of several other kings, and notably ended the Ua Briain's hold of the High Kingship which had lasted since 1002. In 1120 he celebrated the Oneach Titleann, an event meant to signify one's holding of the High Kingship of Ireland. However, this attracted the attention of Domnall mac Lochlainn of Ulster . The two kings met at Athlone where they agreed to
1568-497: The greatest King of Ireland since the reign of his great-great-grandfather Brian Boru. One of Toirdelbach's twenty sons, Ruadhrí, would become High King of Ireland following the death of Muircherteach mac Lochlainn, despite him rebelling against his father earlier in his life. He became High King of Ireland completely unopposed in the year 1166, and was crowned in Dublin. He would enjoy a period of relative peace in his High Kingship during
1624-456: The kingship at different times, but depended upon the support of Muircherteach Ua Briain. In 1106, with the support of his uncle Muirchertach Ua Briain , eighteen-year-old Tairrdelbach deprived his older brother Domnall of the kingship of Connacht. "Tairrdelbach carefully maintained his alliance with Ua Briain, sending troops to aid the High King against the Ui Ruaric of Bréifne in 1109. But he
1680-595: The lands of the O'Donnell Dynasty in Tír Chonaill (County Donegal) which was then part of the Northern Uí Néill , and went as far north as Inis Eoin (the Inishowen Peninsula). The Northern Uí Néill were alarmed by these attacks on the province of Ulster and decided to take action to assist the O'Donnells . Muircherteach Mac Lochlainn (who would later succeed Toirdelbach as High King of Ireland), who
1736-688: The longest reigns of any European monarch. He dominated Irish politics .. leading armies and navies all over Éire ... subjugating entire kingdoms. A superb military commander by any standards, his victory at Móin Mór in 1151 was among the most decisive in Irish history, inflicting 7000 enemy casualties ... An innovative tyrant, his creation of castles was novel in Éire ... as was his apparent wish to introduce male primogeniture ... Commercial and political networks connected him with fellow-rulers in Britain , Francia , and Scandinavia . He reorganised lordships and kingdoms as suited him, carving out
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1792-408: The north and allow Mac Lochlainn to put more pressure on Ua Conchobhair in his ambition to secure the High Kingship. Toirdelbach Ua Conchobhair died in the year 1156. His reign had lasted 50 years, one of the longest in Ireland and Europe up to that point in history. He was succeeded as King of Connacht by his son Ruadhrí mac Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobhair , who had previously been his Tánaiste. He
1848-465: The partition of Munster earlier in Toirdelbach's reign, practically destroyed the power of the Ua Briain dynasty in Munster, and secured Tairrdelbach as the undisputed High King of Ireland and as overlord of Munster and Connacht. Toirdelbach's military forces and his excellent capabilities as a commander were a crucial aspect of his success as High King, similar to the reign of his great‐grandfather, King Brian Boru. Naval battle off Inishowen In
1904-670: The period of 1166–1169, however, Ireland would again be thrown into conflict when the Anglo–Norman invasion of Ireland occurred in 1169. This would begin eight hundred years of conflict and political tension with England and later, Britain. Tairrdelbach had the following known wives: Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh , writing in 1649, wrote the following account of Tairrdelbach's family (219.16 – 220.13, pp. 486–489): " Toirdhealbhach Mor s. Ruaidhri, high-king of Ireland, had many sons; Ruaidhri, king of Ireland also, Cathal Croibhdhearg, king of Connacht, Domhnall Mor, tainst of Connacht (to him
1960-687: The point of a living Skeleton". It was at this point that Diarmuid, brother of Muircherteach, took the Kingship and banished Muircherteach. Tairrdelbach had been scheming against Munster with Muircherteach's enemies, mainly Domnall mac Lochlainn in Ulster and Murchad Ua Máel Sechnaill of the Kingdom of Meath to his east, and they supported Diarmuit's claim to the throne, but Diarmuit soon rose in rebellion against Toirdelbhach. In response, Toirdelbach attacked Munster, ravaging Thomond and expelling Diarmuit. A year later in 1115, Muircherteach Ia Briain regained his strength and led campaigns against his brother to regain
2016-653: The province. Toirdelbach did not make the same mistake twice or risk the life of another of his sons and instead divided the kingdom of Meath between three kings loyal to him; modern County Westmeath was given to the Northern Uí Néill, and 'East Meath' was divided between the Ua Ruaircs of Breifne (modern counties Leitrim and Cavan ) and the third are was given to the King of Leinster . Toirdelbhach selected another son, Domhnall Mór mac Tairrdelbach, to be his Tánaiste and heir to
2072-525: The south by Déisi Tuisceart (later the Dál gCais , later still the O'Brian 's of Thomond ). The territorial gains made by the Uí Fiachrach were lost and the kingdom seems to have reverted to something of its original size for its subsequent history. For eight hundred years up to the mid-12th century its kings were from the[Cenel Guire] the Clan O'Cleary. Their kinsmen Clan O'Shaughnessy and Clan O'Hynes remained rulers of
2128-527: The territory until the land confiscations of the late 1690s and early 18th century. Uí Fiachrach Muaidhe covered all of what is now county Sligo and much of north and central County Mayo . In 982 Aedh ua Dubhda (Aedh grandson of Dubhda), King of Uí Fiachrach Muaidhe, died "an untroubled death" . He was the first of his dynasty to use the surname O Dubhda (anglicised to O'Dowd , Dowd ). Brian, Melaghlin Carragh, Connor Oge, and Murtogh mac Connor O Dubhda fought at
2184-409: The throne of Connacht and Ireland. Ruadhrí however, attempted a new approach in securing the Kingship by instead attempting to gain his father's favour. He conducted raids against the Ua Ruaircs (O'Rourkes) in the late 1140s, and was also involved in the capture of one of Toirdelbach nephews who was rebelling against him. He was also involved in raids against the O'Briens of Thomond in the prelude to
2240-433: The west of Ireland. Some are of the opinion that Ptolemy's Map of Ireland may be based on cartography carried out as much as five hundred years before his time. The Connachta were a group of dynasties who claimed descent from the three eldest sons of Eochaid Mugmedon : Brion , Ailill and Fiachrae . They took their collective name from their alleged descent from Conn Cétchathach . Their younger brother, Niall Noigiallach
2296-466: The year 1143, and was defeated yet again. This time, he was captured and imprisoned by Toirdelbhach, however, the archbishop again intervened by preventing the King from punishing Ruadhrí. Ruadhrí was released after a year in prison. However, it was at this point, in the year 1144, that Conchobar, the heir to the throne, was assassinated while governing the kingdom of Mide. He was killed by a Meath lord or noble who had deemed him unfit or unworthy to govern
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2352-442: The year 1156, Toirdelbhach organised a massive fleet gathered from all over western Connacht including men and ships from Dún Gaillimhe, Clew Bay on the coast of County Mayo (likely the seafaring Uí Mháille (O'Malley) clan and Connemara in western County Galway among others. The fleet was commanded by one of Toirdelbach's admirals, as by now the High King himself was almost seventy years of age. This fleet sailed north to plunder
2408-451: Was Dathi Og, patron and lord of Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh . Bearers of the name are still found scattered through Sligo, Mayo and Galway. Bold print indicates Kings of Connacht Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair Toirdhealbhach Mór Ua Conchobhair (old spelling: Tairrdelbach Mór Ua Conchobair ; 1088 – 1156) anglicised Turlough Mór O'Conor , was King of Connacht (1106–1156) and High King of Ireland (ca. 1120–1156). Toirdelbhach
2464-706: Was a member of the Cenel Eoghain branch of the Ui Néill Dynasty , decided to request the assistance of the Viking Norse-Gaels who inhabited the Norse Kingdom of the Isles in the modern Hebrides and Western Isles of Scotland . The Norse-Gaels were excellent sailors and possessed a large and advanced naval force . Mac Lochlainn sent a representative to request assistance in defeating Toirdelbach's fleet, which
2520-522: Was also determined to defend his kingdom against predators such as Domnall Mac Lochlainn of the Uí Néill (d. 1121), king of the north of Ireland." In 1110, Mac Lochlainn raided Connacht, carrying off herds of cattle and captives. While this raid rattled Toirdelbach, he demonstrated that he was not weak by attacking the Conmaicne and Breifne , with mixed fortunes; he defeated the former at Mag Na, but his army
2576-414: Was around this point that Muircherteach finally managed to successfully topple his brother Diarmuid from power and retook the Kingship, however, he was now only King of Thomond , not the whole of Munster. He would die a year later in 1119 at Lismore . Toirdelbach had successfully divided Munster, and a year later he annexed the Ua Briain homeland of County Clare into the Kingdom of Connacht , leading to
2632-488: Was born in the year 1088. He was the youngest son of Ruaidrí na Saide Buide (died 1118), and his mother was Mór, daughter of Toirdelbach Ua Briain (1009–14 July 1086). Therefore, through his mother, his great-great-grandfather was Brian Boru . His brothers were Niall (killed 1093), Tadc (killed 1097), Conchobar (murdered 1103), and Domnall, King of Connacht (deposed 1106). There was at least one sister, Dubhchobhlaigh Bean Ua hEaghra of Luighne Connacht (died 1131). Ruaidrí
2688-576: Was crucial to a successful High Kingship of Ireland. Conchobhair would also be given the Kingship of the province of Mide (Meath) later in 1143, however, this move would backfire when he was assassinated a year later. In the year 1129, Toirdelbach reputedly built the first stone castle in Ireland, on the River Shannon in Athlone . Toirdelbach would build several more of these throughout Connacht, notably in Dún Gallimhe, Dún Mór and Ballinasloe, strengthening
2744-454: Was defeated by the men of Breifne at Mag Brenair. He attacked the Northern Uí Néill the next year in 1111, plundering Termonn Dabeoc in Tír Chonaill and ravaging modern County Fermanagh as far as Lough Erne . Domnall, Toirdelbach's brother who he had taken the Kingship of Connacht from would remain in Connacht, however, and contested Toirdelbach's claim to the throne of the Kingdom, but he
2800-404: Was finally expelled southward to Munster by Toirdelbhach several years later in 1114. A year later in 1115, an attempt to assassinate him was made by some of his nobles who were discontent with his rule at Ath Bo, but they were unsuccessful. Although much of his time and resources during his early reign were spent in Munster, he was also involved in campaigns elsewhere. In 1115, his wife Orlaith of
2856-505: Was finally granted the hundredfold increase) were his three sons by his wife; Maol Iosa, coarb of Coman, was the eldest of his family (and his heir), and Aodh Dall and Tadhg Alainn and Brian Breifneach and Brian Luighneach, Maghnus and Lochlainn, Muircheartach Muimneach, Donnchadh, Maol Seachlainn, Tadhg of Fiodhnacha, Cathal Mioghran, two [sons named] Conchabhar, Diarmaid, Domhnall, Muirgheas, Tadhg of Dairean, Murchadh Fionn." Kings of Connacht The Kings of Connacht were rulers of
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#17328946401772912-514: Was granted. The Vikings, under the command of a man by the name of Mac Scelling , sailed from western Scotland and the two fleets met in a battle off the peninsula of Inishowen. According to the Annals of the Four Masters, the battle lasted all day from the morning until late in the evening. The Annals state that the battle was "fiercely and spiritedly" fought and that there was a "great slaughter" and
2968-506: Was married to four or more women. According to the Annals of Tigernach, Toirdelbach's mother died the year he was born, suggesting his birth may have been arduous. In 1092, King Ruaidrí was blinded by Flaithbertaigh Ua Flaithbertaigh , an incident which led to the domination of Connacht by the Dál gCais of Munster, led by Tairrdelbach's uncle, the brother of Tairrdelbach's mother, Muirchertach Ua Briain , High King of Ireland , who possibly took Tairrdelbach into his household to groom him for
3024-648: Was partitioned into the Kingdoms of Thomond , under the rule of the Ua Briain Dynasty, the Kingdom of Desmond , under the rule of the Mac Carthaigh Mór Dynasty , and finally the short-lived Kingdom of Osraige , under the rule of the Kennedy Dynasty, though the latter kingdom was small in comparison to the other two and were rarely involved in the politics or struggles for the Kingship of Munster. But it
3080-445: Was still capable of active overlordship in southern Ireland. In 1151 he and his allies - King Diarmaid Mac Murchadha of Leinster, Maelseachlainn son of Murchadh Ó Maelseachlainn of the Kingdom of Mide , King Tighearnán Ó Ruairc of the Kingdom of Breifne - met the forces of King Toirdhealbhach Ó Briain of Thomond at Móin Mór near Glanmire . In what was one of the most decisive battles ever fought in Ireland, Tairrdelbach defeated
3136-638: Was succeeded as High King of Ireland by Muircherteach mac Lochlainn of the Northern Uí Néill, who would reign for ten years before being assassinated by his own nobles in the year 1166. He was initially interred at the Cong Abbey, the very monastery he had rebuilt earlier in his reign. However he was later buried in Clonmacaoise , where many members of the ruling Ua Conchobhair royal bloodline would be buried. Toirdelbach's reforms, advances and military prowess in Ireland would be remembered for many years as arguably
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