Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1299, Ireland saw dispersed developments rather than a single national event. Theobald Butler died childless at Turvey, passing his office and lands to Edmund. John Wogan’s government relied on Richard de Burgh as deputy justiciar during his Scottish absence, following settlement of magnate conflict. Edward I protected the Curragh’s pasture by banning swine. In Annaly, Sefraid Ó Fearghail killed Meath knight Seoán de la Mare during a livestock pursuit, illustrating frontier tensions. Irish annals also noted Scottish conflict and Bishop Muiris Ó hÓcáin’s death. Misdated annalistic entries concerning Armagh and Tír Chonaill properly belong to 1303, not 1299 itself.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1298, Irish records reveal fragmented yet connected authority. Brian Bregach Mag Samradain, chief of Tullyhaw, was killed at Coologe, illustrating violent dynastic politics in Breifne. Thomas fitz Maurice FitzGerald, the Crooked Heir, died, prompting valuations of his extensive but unevenly productive estates, including decayed Dungarvan Castle and its active market economy. Dublin government supplied Edward I’s Scottish war while maintaining administration through officials and inquiries. Deaths and appointments among bishops and abbots underline ecclesiastical influence. Conflicting reports of Domnall Ruad Mac Carthaig’s death demonstrate the need to compare annals. The year exposes power’s local, negotiated and fragile political character.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1296, Connacht suffered a violent Ó Conchobair succession struggle. Áed son of Eógan was deposed for Conchobar Ruad, whose supporters seized hostages and ravaged Cairbre, including churches. Backed by Uilliam and Theobald Burke, Áed assembled at Boyle Abbey, plundering grain and livestock, before alliances shifted again. Conchobar was killed at Cend Ceti, restoring Áed; his rival’s son was later blinded. Ecclesiastical deaths and burials stressed Boyle and Ballintober’s importance. Meanwhile, Irish magnates and troops joined Edward I’s Scottish invasion, criticised by annalists for sacrilege. Reports of weather and cattle disease illustrate insecurity surrounding food, livestock, lordship and religious institutions.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1295, Ireland remained divided among Anglo-Irish lordships, Gaelic kingdoms and church lands, where authority depended on negotiation, hostages and armed force. At Kilkenny, Richard de Burgh, the Red Earl, was released after hostages guaranteed a settlement with John fitz Thomas FitzGerald. Thomas fitz Maurice, acting as royal keeper, secured temporary submissions from Wicklow groups through fines and hostages. John Wogan became justiciar, tasked with preparing Irish resources for Edward I’s Scottish war. Annals also record dynastic killings, contested successions, plunder and expulsions in northern and southern regions, revealing persistent regional conflict despite royal efforts to restore order and stability.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1293, Ireland experienced interconnected political, administrative and religious upheavals. In Connacht, Magnus Ó Conchobair’s death triggered rapid changes of kingship, as Áed mac Eógain, Cathal Ruad and Anglo-Irish interests contested authority. Violence destabilised Moylurg and claimed several regional rulers. William de Vesci’s rivalry with John fitz Thomas FitzGerald prompted Edward I to restrain military mobilisation, reform sheriffs’ accountability and investigate the justiciar. At Saul, Nicholas Mac Máel Ísu enshrined reported relics of Patrick, Columba and Brigid, reinforcing ecclesiastical prestige. Episcopal deaths and contested elections linked Irish churches to royal administration, monasteries and Rome, revealing overlapping, insecure jurisdictions across Ireland.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1292, Richard de Burgh, earl of Ulster and lord of Connacht, sought to enforce authority through campaigning, negotiation and violence. His advance to Roscommon failed to secure hostages from Magnus Ó Conchobair, but Magnus later submitted at Meelick and gained concessions. De Burgh’s raid on Leyney devastated resources without securing Domnall Ó hEgra’s obedience, while Mac Cochlain of Delvin was killed on his orders. Dynastic deaths further unsettled Connacht. In the south, Edward I settled Thomas fitz Maurice FitzGerald’s inheritance, regranting Decies, Desmond and Dungarvan under revised terms. These events exposed Crown authority’s dependence on continually unstable local agreements.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1290, Irish politics saw several local struggles for authority. Cairbre Ó Máelsechlainn, king of Meath, was treacherously killed by Mac Cochlain and the Delbhna amid overlapping Gaelic and colonial lordships. Domnall Ó Néill expelled Niall Ó Néill and seized Tír Eógain, while Toirdelbach Ó Domhnaill, supported by maternal kin and galloglasses, deposed his brother Áed in Tír Chonaill. William Mac Fheorais assumed effective possession of Tuam’s archbishopric, and Kilmacduagh’s bishop died. Edward I appointed William de Vesci justiciar; he arrived in Ireland, combining royal office with Kildare lordship. A Carmelite friary at Kildare was plausibly founded about this time.
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