Caol Uisce Peace
Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
Ireland in 1401 was shaped by competing Gaelic, Anglo-Irish, ecclesiastical and Dublin-based authorities. In Connacht, Thomas Burke’s death produced rival Mac Williams, while Conchobar Anabaidh succeeded in Uí Maine and fighting engulfed Lough Key and Muintir Eolais. Leinster suffered reciprocal devastation between Art Mac Murchadha and Dublin’s forces, alongside a local western plague. Northern politics centred on a peace at Caol Uisce between Niall Óg Ó Néill and Toirdelbach Ó Domhnaill, though annals differ over its date and later violence exposed continuing dynastic tensions. Church and chancery institutions remained influential but geographically limited. The year revealed fragile, locally negotiated power.
