Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1397, Irish politics centred on rival lordships, notably Connacht’s struggle between Ó Conchobhair Donn and Ó Conchobhair Ruadh. Mac Donnchadha’s cattle-bearing camp at Cenn-eitigh was surprised and destroyed in mid-August, prompting retaliatory raids, new alliances and further gallowglass warfare. Conflict devastated crops, houses and herds amid summer food scarcity and a wet, destructive autumn. In Ulster, Niall Mór Ó Néill died and was succeeded by Niall Óg, who inherited continuing struggles. Roger Mortimer sought authority in Leinster and the midlands, building Finnea castle. Ecclesiastical deaths and journeys to Rome reflected enduring religious connections despite widespread instability across the island.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1395 Richard II sought to stabilise Ireland through military pressure, submissions and negotiated service from Gaelic and Anglo-Irish rulers. Art Mac Murchadha accepted loyalty, payment and recognition of inheritance, while Niall Ó Néill and others sought royal protection against rival claims. More than eighty nobles submitted, receiving pardons, offices and knighthoods, but important western and northern lords remained outside the settlement. Raids in Uí Fhailghe and Éile, conflict within the Ó Néills, and succession violence in Fermanagh demonstrated instability. Richard departed in May, leaving Mortimer as representative. Deaths, church burnings and lordships underscored that ceremony had not pacified Ireland.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1393, Moylurg experienced a succession crisis after Aedh Mac Diarmata died and his son Cathal drowned. Maelruanaid Mac Diarmata gained the kingship with Tomaltach Mac Donnchada’s support, defeated Aedh’s sons near Loch Gara, and imprisoned rivals who later escaped. By summer, territorial division and captive exchanges produced a negotiated peace. Elsewhere, deaths among regional lords, clerics, scholars and craftsmen reflected interconnected political and cultural networks. Ferghal Mag Samradain’s death highlighted patronage of learned people. Ó Conchobair Fhailghe founded a Franciscan house at Cill Achaidh, while Richard Northalis became chancellor, pursuing concealed royal debts, revealing diverse local authority across Ireland.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1392, Ireland experienced local warfare, succession disputes and notable deaths rather than an island-wide turning point. Niall Ó Néill of Tír Eógain led a major expedition against the English around Dundalk, achieving temporary mastery. Northern tensions intensified after Henry Aimhreidh Ó Néill’s death and the capture of his son by Toirdelbach Ó Domhnaill. In Connacht, Ó Conchobair Donn’s army burned Uí Maine, revealing fractured regional alliances. Deaths of Archbishop Grigair Ó Mocháin, the countess of Desmond and other nobles highlighted ecclesiastical and aristocratic networks. English administration remained uncertain as Thomas of Woodstock’s lieutenancy failed and Roger Mortimer was appointed.
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Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1390, rivalry between Tighearnán Mór Ó Ruairc of West Breifne and Tomás Mór Ó Raghallaigh of East Breifne drew allied kindreds into a great war. Maghnus Ó Ruairc escaped captivity at Lough Oughter but was killed near Lough Scur. Peace followed, secured by concessions, hostages and expulsions, though raids, forced movements and cattle losses continued. Tomás’s death brought Seán Ó Raghallaigh to power. Elsewhere, Kilbarron Castle was demolished, while legal, historical and ecclesiastical figures died. The Book of Ballymote’s late fourteenth-century compilation reflected enduring scholarly patronage. Despite English justiciar Sir John Stanley, regional lords managed conflict and settlement independently.
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