The Burning of Inis Pátraic
Archived: 30 October 2026
In 797, heathen raiders burned Inis Pátraic, probably Holmpatrick near Skerries, seized cattle-tribute, broke Do-Chonna’s shrine, and made incursions in Ireland and Alba. The attack demonstrates early maritime raiding against exposed church communities and regional wealth, but does not prove settlement or identify attackers beyond the annals’ term heathens. Simultaneously, Donnchad Midi, dominant Southern Uí Néill king of Tara, died, while Áed Oirdnide defeated his supporters at Druim Ríg, devastated Mide and began his reign. Annals also record deaths among Kildare, Clonmacnoise and Inis Cathaig clergy, revealing ecclesiastical institutions embedded in political, economic and learned networks across Irish regional society.