Truce and Uprooting
Ireland had no uncontested monarch. Muirchertach Ua Briain, king of Munster and great-grandson of Brian Bóruma, dominated much of the southern and central island. His influence extended through Leinster, Dublin, Meath and parts of Connacht, although local kings retained power and could change allegiance. In the north, Domnall Ua Lochlainn, king of Ailech and leader of Cenél nEógain, commanded a substantial coalition and resisted Muirchertach’s claims to wider supremacy.