Bunratty’s Captured Earl
Archived: 24 October 2026
In 1311, conflict at Bunratty in Thomond brought rival Uí Bhriain branches, Richard de Clare, William Liath de Burgh and forces from Connacht and Meath into shifting alliances. Although de Clare’s side suffered heavier losses, it captured de Burgh and northern nobles, briefly altering regional power. Thomond endured further killings, including King Donnchad Ó Briain’s murder, contested succession, hostage agreements and later fighting. Raids also struck the Dublin marches, exposing weak governmental control. Church appointments in Dublin and Armagh revealed competing royal, papal and local interests. Deaths, raids and scarcity heightened insecurity, foreshadowing vulnerabilities later exploited during the Bruce invasion.