Clonard and Lusk
Archived: 1 November 2026
In 736, Irish annals recorded deaths of abbots at Clonard, Lusk, Ardbraccan and Mag Bile, alongside the passing of the scholar-anchorite Duiblitir on Inis Bó Finne. Máel Fothartaig was killed by fellow Leinstermen, while Bodbthach, king of Cairpre, died, illustrating localised political authority and conflict. These terse notices reveal churches as influential economic, social and political centres, though succession details remain unknown. Across the North Channel, Pictish king Óengus devastated Dál Riata, capturing Dúnadd and imprisoning Selbach's sons. The evidence indicates transition rather than collapse, highlighting Ireland's ecclesiastical networks, regional rivalries and maritime connections. Dating uncertain; precise dates remain unrecorded.