Feidlimid at Clonmacnoise
Archived: 29 October 2026
In 833, Ireland’s major churches functioned as religious centres, estates, communications hubs and political assets amid rivalry between provincial kings. Conchobar of Tara died, and Niall Caille of Cenél nÉogain succeeded him, defeating foreigners near Derry with Murchad. Feidlimid of Cashel attacked Clonmacnoise and Durrow, killing community members and burning church lands, probably targeting rival patronage networks rather than destroying churches. Kildare suffered bloodshed, while Lismore was burned amid uncertain local conflict. Viking raiders plundered Clondalkin, Druim Inasclainn and Loch Bricrenn, though Irish forces resisted. Deaths of Connacht and western Munster rulers further unsettled alliances, illustrating a connected, contested landscape.