Archived: 19 October 2026
Abstract
In 1500, Ireland experienced local conflicts, disasters and environmental hardship rather than a single national crisis. Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill raided Tír Eógain, burning Dungannon and its strongholds, while Kildare’s intervention in Ó Néill territory proved temporary. Succession changed Breifne’s rulership, and killings, livestock raids and castle-building marked Fermanagh. Galway was largely destroyed by fire, threatening an important trading port. In Munster, the Barry family feud brought murder and posthumous punishment, while John Maguire executed a notorious horse thief. Prolonged wet weather damaged wheat. The death of Derry’s Franciscan bishop also reflected active religious networks across fragmented but connected lordships.
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Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
In 1465, Ireland experienced severe frost, snow and delayed spring growth, causing acute scarcity, especially recorded in Connacht. Political instability compounded hardship as Ó Conchobair and Mac Diarmata successions provoked battles, killings, raids and disputed lordships. Elsewhere, family conflict and territorial seizures occurred in Breifne, while dynastic connections and rivalries remained active across Leinster and Ulster. In the English lordship, Earl Desmond governed despite opposition and a proposed replacement, while parliament legislated on security, cultural conformity, maritime regulation and Cork’s finances. Meanwhile, Cormac Láidir MacCárthaig founded Kilcrea Friary, combining Franciscan observance, dynastic commemoration and regional ambition during a troubled year.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1328 Ireland endured crop damage, illness, destructive winds and scarcity, recorded across annalistic traditions. Political authority remained fragmented: William de Burgh returned to his Ulster inheritance, while royal orders sought to restrain magnates and an attempted Scottish-Irish peace meeting failed. De Burgh, Connacht and Thomond allies suffered defeat against Brian Bán Ó Briain; violence also killed John de Bermingham, earl of Louth. Obituaries reveal losses to legal, ecclesiastical and musical culture, amid church factionalism. On 2 November Edward III created James Butler earl of Ormond, granting Tipperary’s liberty and strengthening royal influence through territorial, judicial and commercial patronage networks.
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