Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 738, Áed Allán, king of Tara, defeated Leinster at Áth Senaig, probably near modern Kilcullen, killing Áed mac Colggen, Bran Bec and numerous provincial leaders. Annals date the battle to 19 August, although claims of near-total destruction and 9,000 deaths are rhetorical. The defeat intensified Leinster’s succession crisis, weakened Uí Chennselaig, and preceded long Uí Dúnlainge dominance, without conquering the province. Munster’s Cathal mac Finguine also exacted hostages and treasure from Leinster, though chronology is uncertain. Tólae, bishop of Clonard, died, while Cernach of Brega was murdered, illustrating ecclesiastical influence and continuing dynastic instability across Ireland during the year.
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Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 737, Áed Allán, northern Uí Néill overking, met Cathal mac Finguine of Munster at the monastery of Tír dá Glas, probably to limit conflict, although terms remain unknown. Annals then declared Patrick’s law effective in Ireland, projecting ecclesiastical legitimacy and wider order rather than recording a uniform national code. The year nevertheless saw dynastic violence in Brega, where Conaing defeated Cernach and Cathal son of Áed died, alongside deaths of regional rulers and abbots. Failbe of Applecross drowned with twenty-two sailors, illustrating Gaelic maritime links. These records reveal negotiation, church influence, instability, and aspirations to unity amid fragmented kingship.
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Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 735, battles at Faughart in Muirthemne and Bélach Éile reshaped Irish political relationships. Áed Allán of the northern Uí Néill defeated the Ulaid, killing King Áed Róin and demonstrating influence along strategically important northern routes. At Bélach Éile, Munster and Leinster suffered severe losses, including Cellach of Osraige and Déisi princes; conflicting annals leave Cathal mac Finguine’s victory or defeat unresolved. Connacht lost its king and another leading ruler, while an abbot was slain and Nendrum’s bishop died. Agrarian communities and churches underpinned power. Irish annalists also recorded Bede’s death and an ominous celestial prodigy reported at autumn’s end.
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Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 734, Áed Allán of Cenél nÉogain displaced Flaithbertach of Cenél Conaill as leading claimant to Tara after conflict at Mag nÍtha and a failed Dál Riata-supported naval effort near the Bann. Annals indicate slaughter on both sides but record Áed’s rule, while Flaithbertach retired into religion. The change strengthened Cenél nÉogain and curtailed Cenél Conaill’s wider influence, without creating a unified Irish monarchy. Regional rulers, including Munster’s Cathal, remained powerful. Churches supplied political and intellectual authority through relics, learning and patronage. Most people continued rural mixed farming, though warfare affected supplies, travel and local obligations across Ireland in practice.
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Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 733, Áed Allán of Cenél nEógain again fought Cenél Conaill at Mag Itha in the Finn valley, killing Conaing of Fánad and many others, strengthening his northern position. The annals place this conflict within wider rivalry among Northern Uí Néill dynasties, without proving an immediate all-Ireland kingship. Elsewhere, Dúngal violated sanctuary on Tory Island, while succession and deaths exposed instability in Dál Riata. Killings, defeats and contested authority at Tailtiu and Tlachtga reflected regional insecurity. Obituaries from Clonmacnoise and Armagh, Donnchad Midi’s birth, and a remarkable cow recorded at Delg Inis reveal intertwined political, ecclesiastical, maritime and pastoral worlds.
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Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 732, Áed Allán of Cenél nÉogain defeated Flaithbertach of Cenél Conaill, initiating a long decline in Cenél Conaill’s northern dominance, though warfare continued and Ireland remained politically fragmented. Other conflicts killed rulers in Airgíalla and Déisi, accompanied fighting between Leinster, Munster and Connacht. Ecclesiastical deaths included Flann Sinna of Clonmacnoise, Sebdann of Kildare and Gerald of Mayo, demonstrating churches’ political, cultural and cross-channel importance. Magnus, philosopher of Ireland, and Armagh scribe Ferdomnach also died. Annals preserve elite events, while most people lived rurally through farming, pastoralism and dependence, supporting kingdoms and monasteries whose resources sustained religious and secular authority.
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Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 730, the Annals of Ulster securely records the burning of Cúl Raithin, probably later Coleraine, but supplies no perpetrators, cause or consequences. The destruction nevertheless highlights the vulnerability and importance of church settlements as religious, economic and political centres. A battle at Bealach Éle between Munster and Leinster, involving Osraige and Déisi leaders, belongs to the early 730s, although annals date it variously to 730 and 735. Heavy losses are reported, without proof of a decisive outcome. These events reveal decentralised authority, intertwined secular and ecclesiastical networks alike, and rural communities dependent upon farming, patronage and vulnerable material resources.
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