Donnchad’s Tailtiu Disturbance
Archived: 30 October 2026
Abstract
In 774, Irish annals recorded political unrest, elite deaths, ecclesiastical change and lethal illness across a fragmented yet connected island. A disturbance involving Donnchad Midi, probably at Tailtiu’s major assembly, reflected his contested consolidation of Clann Cholmáin power in Mide and among the Uí Néill, though details remain unknown. Kings of Cruachain Ai, Cenél Fiachach, the Cruithni, Uí Fhidgeinte and Corcu Baiscinn died, illustrating regional succession. Obituaries for abbots, a bishop-scribe and an anchorite demonstrate churches’ social and political importance. A bloody flux killed Eógan son of Colmán and many others, exposing wider vulnerability. No Viking raids were recorded there.