Bann Bridge and Connacht Raids
Archived: 25 October 2026
In 1248, military and political struggle linked northern and western Ireland across contested regions. Justiciar John FitzGeoffrey compelled Cenél nEógain to give hostages, then built a bridge over the Bann and a castle near Coleraine, strengthening royal leverage without securing conquest. Maurice FitzGerald intervened in Tír Conaill, backing Gofraid Ó Domnaill, whose rival was later killed. In Connacht, revolts, raids, cattle seizures, island warfare and a reverse in Connemara exposed limits to colonial power. Meanwhile, Fedlimid Ó Conchobair endowed Kilmore’s Augustinians, Armagh’s primate returned from Rome, and Henry III addressed baronial liberties, demonstrating intertwined warfare, lordship, church patronage and administration.