Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1308, John Wogan’s defeat at Glenmalure exposed the vulnerability of royal power near Dublin, although administration continued. Piers Gaveston, Edward II’s controversial favourite, arrived as king’s lieutenant, combining political exile with military responsibility. Later campaigns against Wicklow opponents, including the Ó Byrnes, sought to restore authority through coercion and infrastructure. In Connacht, raids, broken peace agreements and failed hostages involved Ó Conchobair branches, Mac Diarmata, Ó Dubda and Anglo-Irish forces, demonstrating unstable alliances and dynastic violence. Stormy weather damaged people and cattle, while lightning struck Roscommon’s Dominican friary. The year revealed an uneven landscape where powers constrained royal government.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1307, Edward II succeeded Edward I as Lord of Ireland, while existing Dublin administration continued under officials including newly appointed Exchequer treasurer Alexander de Bicknor. Richard de Havering received Dublin archbishopric temporalities but was never consecrated, and bishops died at Kilmacduagh and Elphin. At Ahascragh, Donnchad Muimhneach Ó Cellaigh of Uí Maine defeated forces associated with Roscommon, capturing the sheriff and other opponents. Prisoners were released under restitution for an earlier burning attributed to Edmund Butler, before Ó Cellaigh died. Killings among Ó Conchobair claimants underscored Connacht instability. Sources require caution because annalistic chronologies conflict over some recorded events.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1306, Ireland experienced contested succession, warfare and political instability rather than decisive national change. Toirdelbach Ó Briain, king of Thomond, died and was buried at his foundation for friars on Inis Mac nInill, while his son Donnchad succeeded amid opposition. Connacht suffered prolonged conflict between Ó Conchobair rivals, involving raids, cattle seizure, arson and killings. Betrayals and lordship struggles affected Fermanagh, Meath, Leinster and Desmond, where prominent captives and rivals were killed. Annals also record clerical deaths, church damage, maritime trade and fortification. Robert Bruce’s Scottish accession had Irish significance, although no invasion followed. Sources require caution over chronology.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1305, Ireland experienced interconnected local conflicts amid divided Gaelic and Anglo-Irish lordships. Piers de Bermingham treacherously killed Muirchertach Ó Conchobair Fhailghe, his brother and leading followers at Carbury Castle, exposing fragility of frontier agreements. Áed Ó Conchobair’s forces defeated Muintir Raighilligh, causing heavy losses, while warfare and killings disturbed Leinster, Desmond and Breifne. Annals also noted early-summer hardship, without specifying its cause. Richard de Burgh built Northburgh Castle on Lough Foyle, strengthening Ulster influence. Meanwhile, royal administration continued through payments, legal inquiries and ecclesiastical property regulation, illustrating Ireland’s patchwork of competing powers across towns, lordships, churches, and royal jurisdictions.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1304, Dublin suffered an accidental fire that destroyed St Mary’s Abbey, the Dominican house and much of the city, disrupting religious, commercial and administrative life. Chancery rolls covering 1291–1300 were lost, deepening later gaps in Ireland’s records. Justiciar John Wogan struggled to secure Athlone while Irish resources supported Edward I’s Scottish war. Richard de Burgh served in Scotland, but his wife and heir Walter died, altering succession. In Bréifne, Matha Ó Raighilligh was killed with his gallóglaigh, exposing volatile regional lordship. These events reveal interconnected vulnerabilities across medieval Ireland, though evidence offers little detail about ordinary people’s lives directly.
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