Related Archive: Great Snow

The Great Snow

Archived: 26 September 2026

Abstract

In 1047, Ireland endured exceptional winter weather, remembered as the Great Snow, which persisted into March and killed people, livestock and wildlife. Resulting scarcity devastated Ulster, prompting hungry Ulaid groups to seek refuge in Leinster. Political conflict continued: Áed Ua Conchobair killed Niall Ua Ruairc in Corann, strengthening his Connacht kingship amid a longer dynastic feud; northern forces raided Brega; and Muirchertach of Uí Bresail was treacherously slain at Armagh. Ecclesiastical obits recorded leaders, lectors and a Kildare female coarb, while a bishop died on pilgrimage at Iona. The year clearly reveals regional rule, warfare, religious networks and rural vulnerability.

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762 CE

Eóthigern’s Kildare Crisis

Archived: 31 October 2026

Abstract

In the annalistic dossier conventionally dated 762, Ireland experienced exceptional snow and a darkened moon, perhaps linked to an eclipse dated elsewhere to December 763. Bishop Eóthigern was killed by a priest in Kildare's wooden oratory, demonstrating violence within a prestigious ecclesiastical centre, although motives remain unknown. Cenél Cairpri defeated the Luigne at Caill Tuidbig, illustrating local warfare amid Domnall Midi's overlordship. Deaths included Cormac, abbot of Clonmacnoise, and Fer Fio of Comrair, a noted scholar; Tigernach also records Fogartach of Éile and Suibne of Clonfert. These notices reveal dispersed authority, church influence, learning, and vulnerability to weather and conflict.

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