Máel Sechnaill’s Tailtiu Revival
Archived: 26 September 2026
In 1007, Brian Bóruma reinforced his authority by campaigning towards Armagh, securing Ulaid hostages and involving Norse allies. Ulaid suffered rival killings, revenge and violations of church sanctuary, alongside intervention by Flaithbertach Ua Néill. In Mide, the displaced high king Máel Sechnaill revived Tailtiu’s assembly, installed a Columban successor and funded Clonmacnoise’s altar-front through local levies, asserting ceremonial kingship. At Kells, the Great Gospel of Colum Cille, probably the Book of Kells, was stolen for its precious cover but recovered. Ecclesiastical obits reveal religious networks. The annals depict Ireland as politically fragmented, wealthy, and shaped by power, sanctity and violence.