Diarmait of Mide Slain
Archived: 2 November 2026
Abstract
In 689 CE, Ireland’s surviving annalistic record preserves a compact but revealing cluster of political, ecclesiastical and celestial notices. It must, however, be read with unusual care. The material conventionally grouped under the annal-heading 689 is not securely tied to the modern calendar year: the Annals of Ulster label their corresponding entry “AD 688”, and a modern synchronism identifies the reported solar eclipse with 3 July 688. This article therefore treats the events as the evidence traditionally associated with 689 CE, while distinguishing that association from a firm modern date. The clearest political event is the killing of Diarmait, king