Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1318, defeats at Dysert O’Dea and Faughart reshaped Ireland without bringing peace. Richard de Clare’s death ended his family’s attempt to dominate Thomond, enabling Gaelic rulers to regain regional control. Edward Bruce’s death near Dundalk ended the Scottish-backed invasion, though it exposed weaknesses within English lordship. Warfare intensified the Great Famine’s effects: requisitioning, ruined crops, disease, disrupted trade and severe weather produced acute hardship. Political alliances crossed Gaelic, settler and Scottish communities, reflecting local interests rather than national divisions. Connacht remained unstable amid dynastic conflict. Alexander de Bicknor arrived as Dublin’s archbishop and justiciar, inheriting a weakened, impoverished lordship.
Read Article
Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1316, Ireland endured Scottish invasion, provincial conflict, destructive warfare and famine. Edward Bruce, supported by Ulster allies, claimed kingship but controlled chiefly the former earldom of Ulster; his Leinster raid exposed divisions among Anglo-Irish magnates without establishing rule. In Connacht, Feidlim Ó Conchobair defeated rival Ruaidrí, built a broad coalition and attacked Anglo-Irish lordships. On 10 August, William de Burgh and the Berminghams crushed Feidlim’s army outside Athenry, killing Feidlim and leaders, and destabilising Connacht anew. Meanwhile, famine compounded military devastation. Carrickfergus surrendered to Bruce in September, yet no power secured Ireland: regional rivalries, hunger and contested lordship persisted.
Read Article
Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In May 1315 Edward Bruce, brother of Robert Bruce, landed near Larne with a Scottish army, exploiting divisions among Irish rulers, Anglo-Irish magnates and officials. Supported by some Ulster Gaelic lords, he claimed Irish kingship, captured Carrickfergus town and besieged its castle. His forces devastated settlements and supplies, defeated Richard de Burgh at Connor, and advanced into Meath, where opposition faltered amid local rivalries. The invasion also intensified Connacht dynastic conflict. Neither Ireland nor Ulster was unified behind Bruce: Dublin, Trim and Carrickfergus castle remained hostile. Warfare, crop destruction, requisitioning and weather worsened the Great Famine, causing hardship and disorder.
Read Article
