Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
In 1442, James Butler, earl of Ormond, resumed the Irish lieutenancy, governing through fragile alliances rather than centralised power. In the north-west, Énrí and Eóghan Ó Néill secured assistance from the English settlement and compelled Neachtain Ó Domhnaill to cede Castlefin, Cenél Moen and Inis Eógain’s tribute. Other struggles involved Enniskillen, Oriel, Ulster raiding and Wicklow warfare. After Muircheartach Caomhánach’s killing, his father won prisoners and compensation from Wexford. Obituaries recorded lords and clergy, while Ormond rental accounts reveal farming, rents and seigneurial justice. Together, the sources portray a connected, contested Ireland shaped by castles, kinship, tribute, negotiation and authority.
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Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
In 1433, regional conflict, diplomacy, famine and patronage shaped Ireland. Eóin Ó Néill, aided by Mac Domhnaill’s Scottish fleet, campaigned against Niall Garbh Ó Domhnaill and MacQuillan in Dufferin, devastating creaghts and burning Ardglass. Negotiations by Niall Garbh’s wife and subordinate rulers halted a proposed attack, while subsequent travel produced peace at Caol Uisce. In Breifne, Mag Raghnaill factional warfare involved paid soldiers. Severe summer famine accompanied notable hospitality by Mag Uidhir and Margaret Ó Cearbhaill. Pope Eugenius IV licensed Franciscan Regular Observance at Quin, reinforcing Mac Conmara patronage and linking local lordship to wider ecclesiastical reform currents across Europe.
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Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
In 1420, Irish political life combined warfare, negotiation, trade and royal administration. Brian Ó Conchobair built Bundrowes Castle beside the Drowes, provoking Ulster opposition and fighting around Assaroe, where Domnall Ó Domhnaill was killed and Niall Garbh escaped aboard a trading ship. Kinship disputes in Connacht brought murders, raids, captivity and settlements secured through lordly protections. Granard Castle was briefly seized, then demolished by Ó Fearghail. Dublin officials collected customs and administered justice and finance. Death notices linked leading families to churches, while violence reached sacred spaces. Annals also recorded wolves killing many people, revealing environmental danger amid political instability.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
Annals for 1411 portray Ireland as a patchwork of competing lordships, where succession disputes, captivity and violence shaped political life. In Munster, heirs and rivals among the Ó Briains, FitzGeralds, Mac Cárthaighs and Ó Súilleabháins were killed, expelled, blinded or displaced. Ó Conchobhair Fáilghe captured Meath’s sheriff for ransom, illustrating frontier insecurity, while Ó Domhnaill imprisoned Mulmhaire Mac Suibhne amid internal complaints. Annaghdown monastery burned, and church land officers, an historian and Thomond’s master poet died. The annals also report that Raphoe’s crucifix bled and healed illnesses, a medieval miracle claim reflecting devotion, pilgrimage and hopes for relief amid instability.
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