Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1419 Ireland experienced overlapping conflicts rather than a single national crisis. Eóghan Ó Néill, backed by northern allies, expelled Domnall Ó Néill from Tyrone, while Connacht forces burned Murbach and devastated Tírhugh. A major Connacht invasion of Clanricard ended in defeat at Bél Átha Lige, with heavy losses, captures and plunder. English lieutenant John Talbot’s administration seized Leinster’s Donnchadh Mac Murchadha, while Calbach Ó Conchobair escaped captivity. Succession disputes disturbed Breifne. Plague killed the scholar Dauid Ó Maolconaire; an unusually hot summer brought drought but abundant harvests. Deaths of poets, rulers and clerics highlighted patronage, learning and religious life.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1410, Ireland’s political map was not a single kingdom directed from one capital but a field of overlapping lordships, kin-groups, towns and ecclesiastical territories. The year’s most striking recorded episode was the seizure of Domnall Ó Néill, lord of Tír Eógain, by Brian Mac Mathghamhna. Yet the annals also preserve a wider pattern: rulers and heirs dying, castles changing hands, cattle being driven away, a captive rival dying in Munster, and succession being managed amid danger. Taken together, these entries show how authority depended on personal alliances, control of strongpoints, inherited claims and the ability to reward followers.The surviving
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1404, Ireland remained politically fragmented between the English lordship, Anglo-Irish magnates and Gaelic rulers. At Blackford in Laigis, Gilla Pátraic Ó Mórdha defeated forces identified as English, capturing horses, weapons and armour. Connacht saw Mac Diarmata succession struggles, regional deaths and warfare, while Domnall Ó Néill claimed Ulster’s kingship amid continuing rivalry. Bishop Tomás Barrett died, Nicholas Fleming was appointed to Armagh, and widespread lectual sickness was reported. Maritime conflict occurred in Munster. The deaths of several ollamhs, or learned masters, highlighted the vulnerability of hereditary cultural institutions. Annals also record household figures, local violence and uncertain chronology throughout.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1400, Irish annals recorded the capture of Dunamon Castle in Connacht by Mac an Abaidh Ó Conchobair, the death of a Burke, and the release of an Ó Cellaigh captive. Nearby, Grigoir Ó Maelchonaire, a learned heir, was accidentally killed; 126 cows were paid in compensation. Warfare devastated grain and seized horses in Tír Chonaill, while feuds, expulsions and deaths unsettled Ulaid and Breifne. Annals also note uncertain English intervention. Around Longford, the Ó Fearghail foundation of a Dominican priory reflected regional patronage. Collectively, these records reveal competing lordships, cattle-based restitution, agricultural warfare, learned status and uneven English authority.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1399 Richard II landed at Waterford to subdue Art Mac Murchadha Caomhánach, whose Leinster forces avoided pitched battle, strained royal supplies and prevented a settlement. The expedition exposed the limited reach of English lordship beyond defended centres. While Richard campaigned, conflicts continued in Connacht and Ulster, and John fitz Gerald, earl of Desmond, drowned amid a Munster feud, leaving a minor heir. Annals note deaths of churchmen, rulers and Mac Egan legal scholars. Henry Bolingbroke's English invasion forced Richard’s July departure. Art remained unconquered, and Henry IV’s accession by September ended Richard’s reign, leaving Irish divisions and weakness unresolved.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1383, fragmented Ireland experienced renewed royal administration, northern warfare and serious disease. Richard II appointed Sir Philip Courtenay lieutenant, who arrived at Waterford in September, while Ralph Cheyne served as chancellor. In Ulster, Niall Mór Ó Néill’s coalition burned and plundered territories associated with English lordship. During the campaign, his son Aodh Óg and Raibilin Savage fatally wounded one another, provoking further killing among the Bissets. Annalists reported widespread plague throughout Ireland, including the death in captivity of Art Magennis. Deaths, killings and successions among secular and religious leaders reveal local instability, while hospitality remained an important lordly ideal.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1375, Ireland’s fragmented political order was revealed through warfare, succession, negotiation and administration. Niall Ó Néill defeated the English or Anglo-Irish of Downpatrick, killing Sir James of Malahide and others, demonstrating northern Gaelic strength. In Leinster, Donnchad Caemánach Mac Murchada was treacherously killed, opening the way for Art Mór’s later rise. Connacht rivals exchanged Roscommon and Ballintober castles, while Thomas succeeded Sir Edmund Albanach Mac William Burke. Raids, betrayals and kin killings exposed local insecurity. Annals recorded religiously framed deaths and poet Máel Sechlainn Ó Domhnalláin. William de Windsor’s cash-strapped administration operated as Edward III sought support at Westminster.
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