Annala Rioghachta Eireann : Annals of the kingdom of Ireland

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Battle of Clontarf: Brian Boru slain along with son and grandson

   Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1013

   A ferocious battle was fought at Clontarf between the forces of Brian, King of Ireland, and Maelseachlainn against the foreigners and Leinstermen, on the Friday before Easter. Brian, his son Murchadh, and grandson Toirdhealbhach were among many slain in the fighting.

   Read the passage

   Ui-Eathach? themselves, i. e. between Cian, son of Maelmhuaidh®, and Domhnall, son of Dubh-da-bhoireann’, in which were slain Cian, Cathal, and Roghallach, three sons of Maelmhuaidh, with a great slaughter along with them. An army was led by Donnchadh, son of Brian, to the south of Ireland; and he slew Cathal, son of Domhnall, and carried off hostages from Domhnall. An army was led by the foreigners and Leinstermen into Meath, and afterwards into Breagha ; and they plundered Tearmonn-Feichine’, and carried off many captives and countless cattle. An army was led by Brian, son of Ceinneidigh, son of Lorcan, King of Ireland, and by Maelseachlainn, son of Domhnall, King of Teamhair, to Ath-cliath. The foreigners of the west of Europe assembled against Brian and '- Maelseachlainn; and they took with them ten hundred men with coats of mail. A spirited, fierce, violent, vengeful, and furious battle was fought between them,—the likeness of which was not to be found in that time,—at Cluaintarbh*, on the Friday before Easter precisely. In this battle were slain Brian, son of Ceinneidigh, monarch of Ireland, who was the Augustus of all the West of Europe, in the eighty-eighth year of his age’; Murchadh, son of Brian, heir apparent to the sovereignty of Ireland, in the sixty-third® year of his age; Conaing, son of Donncuan, the son of Brian’s brother; Toirdhealbhach, son of Murchadh', son of Brian; Mothla, son of Domhnall, son of Faelan’, lord of the Deisi-

   slain, and this seems correct.—See Colgan’s Acta Sanctorum, p. 106, note 3; and Ogygia, p. 435, where O’Flaherty has the following remarks on the reign and death of Brian Borumha:

   Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 125

2. Murder of Mahon, King of Cashel

   Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 975

   Mahon, King of Cashel, was delivered up by Donovan to Maelmhuaidh, son of Bran, lord of Desmond, who put him to death against the protection of saints and just men. His murder provoked Brian Boru to vengeance against the perpetrators.

   Read the passage

   delivered him up to Maelmhuaidh, son of Bran, lord of Desmond, who put him to death, against the protection of saints and just men.

   the bloody deed was done, and mounted his horse to depart. One of the clergy, who knew Molloy, asked him what was to be done. Molloy replied, with sardonic sneer, ‘‘Cure that man, if he come to thee,” and then took his departure. The priest became wroth, and, cursing him bitterly, predicted that he would come to an evil end, and that his monument would be erected near that very hill, in a situation where the sun would never shine upon it. And this was verified, for Molloy afterwards lost his eyesight, and was killed in a hut constructed of alder trees, at the ford of Bealach-Leachta” [A. D. 978], “by Hugh, son of Gevennan of Deis-Beag” [a territory lying around Bruff, in the county of Limerick]; ‘‘and the monument of Mahon is on the south side of that hill, and the monument of Molloy mac Bran is on the north side, and the sun never shines upon it.

   Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 117

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here in 975, Mahon, King of Cashel, was delivered up by Donovan to Maelmhuaidh, son of Bran, lord of Desmond, who put him to death against the protection of saints and just men. After the bloody deed was done, one of the clergy who knew Molloy asked him what was to be done. Molloy replied with a sardonic sneer, "Cure that man, if he come to thee," and departed. The priest cursed him bitterly, predicting he would come to an evil end and that his monument would be erected near that hill where the sun would never shine upon it. This was verified, for Molloy afterwards lost his eyesight and was killed in 978 in a hut of alder trees at the ford of Bealach-Leachta by Hugh, son of Gevennan of Deis-Beag. The monument of Mahon is on the south side of that hill, and the monument of Molloy mac Bran is on the north side, and the sun never shines upon it. His murder provoked Brian Boru to vengeance against the perpetrators.

3. Treacherous capture of Mathghamhain at Bruree by Donnabhan

   Bruree · town · Limerick · 976

   Mathghamhain, son of Ceinneidigh, supreme King of Munster, was treacherously invited to a banquet at Donnabhan's house at Bruree on the Maigue, seized despite guarantees of safety from the Bishop of Cork, and delivered to his enemies for murder.

   Read the passage

   “ At the suggestion of Ivor, Donovan invited Mahon to a banquet at his own house” [at Bruree on the River Maigue, in the territory of the Ui-Cairbri]; “and Mahon, although he | suspected the loyalty of his host, consented to accept of the invitation, his safety having been guaranteed by Columb Mac Kieragan, successor of St. Barry, or Bishop of Cork, and others of the clergy of Munster. Mahon attended the feast; but his treacherous host, violating the laws of hospitality, and the solemn compact with the clergy, seized upon his person, in order to deliver him up to Molloy, son of Bran, and Ivor of Limerick, who were stationed in the neighbourhood with a body of Irish and Danish troops. Donovan’s people conducted Mahon to Cnoc-an-rebhrainn” [{ Knockinrewrin], “in the mountains of Sliabh Caein, whither two of the clergy of St. Barry and Molloy’s people repaired to meet them. Molloy had ordered his people, when they should get Mahon into their hands, to dispatch him at once; and this order was obeyed. <A bright and sharp sword was plunged into his heart, and his blood stained St. Barry’s Gospel, which he held to his breast to protect himself by its sanctity. When, however, he perceived the naked sword extended to strike him, he cast the Gospel in the direction of the clergy, who were on an adjacent hillock, and it struck the breast of one of the priests of Cork; and those who were looking on assert that he sent it the distance of a bow-shot from the one hillock to the other.

   *« When Molloy, who was within sight of this

   Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 116

4. Cumascach beheaded at Kilranelagh

   Kilranelagh · townland · Wicklow · 593

   Cumascach, fleeing after setting fire to a house, was pursued and beheaded at Monaidh-Cumascaigh near the green of Cill-Rannairech (Kilranelagh) by Loichine Lonn, ancestor of the O'Lonain family.

   Read the passage

   with four battalions, and crossed the River Righ (the Rye Water), which was the boundary be- .tween that province and Meath. He advanced to Bealach-Chonglais, now Baltinglas, where Bran Dubh, King of Leinster, resided (at Rathbran, near Bantinglas). He sent for the wife of Bran Dubh, who came to him, and requested that he would not detain her until she had exhibited her hospitality in distributing food among his attendants. This request was granted ; but the Queen of Leinster, instead of remaining to wait on his hosts, fled, like an honest woman, from her palace, and betook herself to the fastnesses of the lonely forest of Dun-Buichet. After this the King of Leinster, attired in the garb of a menial, set fire to the house in which was the young libertine, Cumascach, who, dressing himself in the clothes of one of his satirical poets, climbed to the ridge-pole of the hole, and, making his way out, escaped the flames, and fled to Monaidh-Cumascaigh, at the end of the Green -of Cill-Rannairech [now Kilranelagh], where Loichine Lonn, Erenagh of that church, and ancestor of the family of O’Lonain, who discovered who he was, cut off his head, and carried

   it to Rath-Bran Duibh, where he presented it to the King of Leinster, who, for this signal service, granted perpetual freedom (or exemption from custom or tribute) to the church of Cill- Rannairech.

   Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 61

5. Death of Colum Cille at Hy (Iona)

   Iona · island or archipelago · 592

   Colum Cille, apostle of Alba, died in his own church at Hy after thirty-five years of pilgrimage, aged seventy-seven, on 9 June.

   Read the passage

   The Age of Christ, 592. The twenty-fifth year of Aedh. Colum Cille’, son of Feidhlimidh, apostle of Alba [Scotland], head of the piety of the most part of Ireland and Alba, [next] after Patrick, died in his own church in Hy, in Alba, after the thirty-fifth year of his pilgrimage, on Sunday night precisely, the 9th day of June. Seventy-seven years was his whole age when he resigned

   his spirit to heaven, as is said in this quatrain :

   Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft

6. Friary garrison besieged; fire destroys buildings and Spanish force lands at Kinsale

   Kinsale · town · Cork · 1601

   The Latin account describes English soldiers garrisoning the Donegal friary in 1601, a fire consuming the buildings and killing many soldiers, and news arriving that Spanish auxiliaries under Don Juan de Aguila had landed at Kinsale, prompting O'Donnell to march south.

   Read the passage

   aliquot intertexta et elaborata auro; reliqua omnia serica. Erant etiam 16 calices argentei, et magni, ex quibus duo tum erant qui non erant deaurati, erant et duo ciboria pro s™ sacramento. Suppellex satis honesta: ecclesia ne vitro quidem caruit. Sed ingravescente bello, et hereticjs aliqualiter praevalentibus, tandem potuerunt id efficere, ut principe O’Donnelo in aliis negotiis occupato ipsi ad oppidum Dunnangall pervenerint cum exercitu, et anno 1601, in festo S. Laurentii martyris in monasterio praesidium militum collocdrunt. Fratres quidam praemoniti fugerunt ad loca silvestria, inde aliquot miliaribus distantia, et suppellextilem monasterii navi impositam ad alium tutiorem locum transtulerunt : ego ipse eram ex ultimis qui e conventu egressus sum, et in navi ill4 fugam coepi. Sed hic erant rerum exitus ; conventus in quo erat illud praesidium militum, postea statim a principe‘ obsidione cingitur, et Angli ibi existentes nimium arctantur. Accidit autem illis casus admirabilis; una eademque hor, ignis, ut putatur divinitus aedificia conventus corripit, et multos militum consumit, totumque conventum et ecclesiam incendit, et navis quae in portum ingrediebatur victualia illis suppeditans ad scopulum collisa est ; casu? Qui superviscerunt adhuc ex Anglis intra fossas quas fecerunt se continuerunt, et ad deditionem venire disposuerunt, deque articulis tractabant et conditionibus deditionis. Jam nuntiatur principi, Hispanos auxiliares duce D. Joanne de Aquila Kinsaliam in Momonia advenisse, et occupato oppido ab haereticis ibi obsidione cingi, tum non. cunctandum ratus, re apud Dunnangall infecta, in Mommoniam proficiscitur, in itinere principi Onello et aliis occursurus, ut simul omnes Hispanis opem ferret. Sed neque Kinsaliae res bené successerunt, atque ita Hispani ad deditionem coacti sunt; rebusque Catholicorum ita profligatis, princeps O’Donnell in Hispaniam se contulit, annoque sequenti 1602 omnia loca sui dominii in haereticorum potestatem devenerunt, et inter caetera quae ibi perierunt suppellex illa ecclesiastica conventis de Dunnangall fuit preedee Olivero Lamberto gubernatori Conaciz ex parte haereticorum; qui calices in cyphos profanos convertit, et vestes sacras in diversos profanos usus convertendos scindi et delacerari curavit, et sic tum ipse conventus, tum omnis suppellex ejus periit. Fratres autem usque in hodiernum diem vivunt tum per modum congregationis in locis magis tutis infra terminos et limites destructos

   Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming near Kinsale, the town in Cork where the Spanish landed. The story that connects this place begins at the friary in Donegal. In 1601, on the feast of Saint Lawrence the martyr, English soldiers came and placed a garrison in the friary. Some of the friars had been warned and fled to wooded places miles away, loading the friary's furnishings onto a ship and carrying them to a safer place. The narrator says he was among the last to leave the convent and began his flight on that ship. The friary where the garrison sat was then besieged by the prince O'Donnell, and the English there were hard pressed. Then a remarkable thing happened. In a single hour, fire, thought to be divinely sent, seized the buildings of the convent, consumed many of the soldiers, and burned the entire convent and church. The ship that was entering the harbour to supply them struck a rock. The surviving English held themselves within trenches they had dug and were treating about articles and conditions of surrender. Then news came to O'Donnell that Spanish auxiliaries under Don Juan de Aguila had arrived at Kinsale in Munster, and the town having been occupied by the heretics, they were besieged there. Judging there must be no delay, O'Donnell left the matter at Donegal unfinished and set out for Munster, to meet O'Neill and others on the way, so that all together they might bring aid to the Spanish. But things did not go well at Kinsale, and the Spanish were forced to surrender. O'Donnell went to Spain, and in 1602 all the lands of his dominion fell into the hands of the heretics.

7. Robert Fitz Stephen lands at Bannow

   Bannow · townland · Wexford · 1169

   Robert Fitz Stephen landed at the creek called Cuan-an-bhainbh, now Bannow, with thirty knights, sixty armored men, and 300 archers, marking an early Anglo-Norman landing in Ireland.

   Read the passage

   Robert Fitzstephen landed at the creek called Cuan-an-bhainbh, now Bannow, in the month of May, 1169, with a band of thirty knights,

   sixty men in coats of mail, and 300 archers, among whom was Hervey de Montemarisco, or Mountmaurice, the paternal uncle of the Earl Strongbow.

   Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 151

8. The Mermaid Liban captured at the mouth of the Larne

   near Larne · town · Antrim · 558–571

   The legendary mermaid Liban, daughter of Eochaidh, was captured in the net of Beoan at the strand of Ollarbha (the River Larne), after thereafter being baptized by St. Comhgall and given the name Muirgen.

   Read the passage

   rule. When the crew of Beoan’s currach were at sea, they heard the celebration of angels beneath the boat. Liban, thereupon, addressed them, and stated that she had been 300 years under the sea, adding that she would proceed westward and meet Beoan, that day twelve months, at Inbher-Ollarbha[ Larne], whither the saints of Dalaradia, with Comhgall, were to resort. Beoan, on his return, related what had occurred, and, at the stated time, the nets were set, and Liban was caught in the net of Fergus

   of Miliuc, upon which she was brought to land,

   Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 56

9. Battle at Gleann Mama and sack of Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 999

   King Maelseachlainn and Brian, with a great army, defeated the Danes of Dublin at Gleann Mama, killing their chief leaders including Harold mac Amlaibh. They then entered Dublin, remained seven nights, plundered gold, silver and hangings, burnt the town, and broke down the fort.

   Read the passage

   rowe, with a great army, went to Gleanmamye, where they were encountered by the Danes of Dublin, in which encounter the chiefest Danes of Dublin, with their Captaine, Harolde, mac Awley, and Cwillen mac Etigen, with many others of their principalls, were slain; after which slaughter, King Moyleseaghlyn and Bryan entered into Dublin, and the forte thereof, and there remained seven nights, and at their departure tooke all the gold, silver, hangings, and other pretious things, that were there with them, burnt the town, and broke down the forte, and banished Sitrick mac Awley, king of the Danes of Dublin, from thence.”

   742 aNNa~a RIOshachta elREANN.

   Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 120

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Dublin, this is where King Maelseachlainn and Brian came in 999 after defeating the Danes of Dublin at Gleann Mama. The Danes met them with their captain Harold mac Amlaibh and Cwillen mac Etigen among the leaders, and the chiefest Danes were slain. The two kings then entered Dublin and the fort there, and remained seven nights. At their departure they took all the gold, silver, hangings, and other precious things, burnt the town, broke down the fort, and banished Sitrick mac Amlaibh, king of the Danes of Dublin.

10. Michael O'Clery born in the parish of Kilbarron

    Kilbarron · townland · Donegal · 1575

    Teige-an-tsleibhe (Brother Michael) O'Clery, chief compiler of the Annals, was born about 1575 in the parish of Kilbarron near Ballyshannon, county Donegal, as the fourth son of Donough O'Clery.

    Read the passage

    Teige-an-tsleibhe (i.e. Teige of the Mountain) O’Clery, the chief compiler of the following Annals, was born about the year 1575, in the parish of Kilbarron, near Ballyshannon, in the county of Donegal, and was the fourth son of Donough O’Clery, who was the grandson of Tuathal O’Clery, head of the Tirconnell branch of the family, who died in 1512. On his admission to the religious order of St. Francis, . he dropped his original baptismal name, according to the usual practice on such occasions, and assumed the name of Michael. He did not, however, enter into holy orders, but remained a lay brother of the order, continuing to pursue the hereditary profession of an antiquary or historian, which he had followed in secular life. And his pursuits received the full sanction and approbation of his superiors, for, soon after joining his order at Louvain, he was sent to Ireland by the Guardian of the Irish convent there, Hugh Ward (who was then himself employed in writing the lives of Irish saints), to collect Irish manuscripts, and other helps towards this grand undertaking. Brother Michael O’Clery, who was eminently qualified for this task, pursued his inquiry for about fifteen years, during which period he visited the most distinguished scholars and antiquaries then living,

    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS xxiii and transcribed from ancient manuscripts many lives of saints, several genealogies, martyrologies, and other monuments ; all which he transmitted to Ward, who, however, did not live to avail himself of them to any great extent, for he died soon after the receipt of them, viz. on the 8th of November, 1635; but they proved of great use to the Rey. John Colgan, Jubilate Lecturer of Theology at Louvain, who took up the same subject after the death of Ward. During O’Clery’s stay in Ireland he compiled the following works :.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in the parish of Kilbarron near Ballyshannon in county Donegal, a man was born about 1575 who would become one of the most important scholars in Irish history. He was Teige of the Mountain O'Clery, the fourth son of Donough O'Clery. His father was grandson of Tuathal O'Clery, head of the Tirconnell branch of the family, who died in 1512. The boy grew up to follow the hereditary profession of an antiquary and historian, and when he joined the religious order of Saint Francis, he dropped his baptismal name, as was the custom, and took the name Michael. He did not enter holy orders. He remained a lay brother, and he kept on with his work as a historian. His superiors approved. Soon after he joined his order at Louvain, the Guardian of the Irish convent there, Hugh Ward, sent him back to Ireland. Ward was writing the lives of Irish saints and needed manuscripts. Brother Michael O'Clery was eminently qualified for the task. He spent about 15 years travelling Ireland, visiting the most distinguished scholars and antiquaries then living. He transcribed from ancient manuscripts many lives of saints, several genealogies, martyrologies, and other monuments, and sent everything back to Ward. Ward did not live to use the material to any great extent. He died on the 8th of November 1635. But the manuscripts proved of great use to the Reverend John Colgan, Jubilate Lecturer of Theology at Louvain, who took up the same subject after Ward's death. During his stay in Ireland, O'Clery compiled the Annals themselves, the great chronicle that carries the story of this country across centuries.

11. Tuirgeis drowned in Loch-Uair by Maelseachlainn

    Lough Owel · lake or lakes · Westmeath · 843–844

    Tuirgeis, the Viking lord, was taken prisoner by Maelseachlainn son of Maelruanaidh and afterwards drowned in Loch-Uair (Lough Owel), an event later surrounded by traditional stories associating the site with him.

    Read the passage

    where Aedh, son of Dubdhachrich, Abbot of Tir-da-ghlas and Cluain-eidhneach, was taken prisoner; and they carried him into Munster, where he suffered martyrdom for the sake of God; and Ceithearnach, son of Cudinaisg, Prior of Cill-dara, with many others besides, was killed by them during the same plundering excursion. Forannan, Primate of Ard-Macha, was taken prisoner by the foreigners, at Cluain-Comharda’, with his relics and people, and they were carried by them to their ships at Luimneach®. An expedition by Tuirgeis’, lord of the foreigners, upon Loch-Ribh, so that they plundered Connaught and Meath, and burned Cluain-mic-Nois, with its oratories, Cluain-fearta-Brenainn, Tir-daghlas, Lothra, and many others® in like manner. A battle was gained over the and a countless number fell. Tuirgeis was taken prisoner by Maelseachlainn, son of Maelruainaidh ; and he was afterwards drowned in Loch-Uair’, through the miracle of

    Hugh, upon Gentiles at Magh Tha.”—Ann. Ul. Cod. Clarend., tom. 49.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 91

    As the companion tells it

    Lough Owel ahead, the lake where a Viking lord met his end. Tuirgeis, lord of the foreigners, had led an expedition on Loch Ree, plundering Connaught and Meath, burning Clonmacnoise and many other churches. A battle was gained over the foreigners, and Tuirgeis was taken prisoner by Maelseachlainn, son of Maelruanaidh. He was afterwards drowned in this lake, Loch-Uair, through the miracle of Hugh.

12. Diarmaid's rise and St Ciaran's prophecy at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 544

    Dermot Mac Kervel, hiding near Clonmacnoise, helped St Keyran build his church there, and the saint prophesied that Dermot's hand would have superiority over all Ireland by the next day, a prophecy fulfilled when Tuathal was killed at Greallach-da-Phill.

    Read the passage

    “ A.D. 547 [recté 544]. King Twahal having proclaimed throughout the whole kingdom the banishment of Dermot Mac Kervel, with a great reward to him that would bring him his heart, the said Dermot, for fear of his life, lived in the deserts of Clonvicknose (then called Artibra) ; and meeting with the abbot St. Keyran, in the place where the church of Clonvicknose now stands, who was but newly come hither to dwell from Inis- Angin” [now Inip Qingm, alias Hares’ Island, in the Shannon], “and having no house or place to reside and dwell in, the said Dermot gave him his assistance to make a house. there ; and in thrusting down in the earth one of the peers of the tymber or wattles of the house, Dermot took St. Keyran’s hand, and did put it over his own hand in sign of reverence to the saint. Whereupon St. Keyran humbly besought God, of his great goodness, that by that time to-morrow ensuing that the hands of Dermot might have superiority over all Ireland,

    he himself fell for it.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 51

13. Liban preserved under Lough Neagh after its eruption

    near Lough Neagh · lake or lakes · Antrim · 90

    According to legend in Leabhar-na-hUidhri, Liban was preserved for a year in her grianan under Lough Neagh after the lake's eruption drowned her father Eochaidh and his household, before being transformed into a salmon.

    Read the passage

    ~ According to a Wild legend in Leabhar-nahUidhri, this Liban was the daughter of Eochaidh, from whom Loch Eathach, or Lough Neagh, was named, and who was drowned in its eruption [A. D. 90], together with all his children, except his daughter, Liban, and his sons, Conaing and Curnan. The lady, Liban, was preserved from the waters of Lough Neagh for a full year, in her grianan, or boudoir, under the lake. After this, at her own desire,

    she was changed into a salmon, and continued to traverse the seas till the time of St. Comhgall of Bangor. It happened that St. Comhgall despatched Beoan, son of Innli, of Zeach-Debeog, to Rome, on a message to Pope Gregory

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 56

14. Taking of Port-Lairge and slaughter of defenders

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1170

    The Anglo-Norman force took Port-Lairge (Waterford), captured Gillemaire the officer of the fortress and Ua Faelain lord of the Deisi and his son, and killed seven hundred persons there.

    Read the passage

    archers, in the army of Mac Murchadha, to contest Leinster for him, and to * disturb the Irish of Ireland in general ; and Mac Murchadha gave his daughter to the Earl Strongbow for coming into his army. They took Loch Garman’, and entered Port-Lairge' by force; and they took Gillemaire, the officer of the fortress’, and Ua Faelain, lord of the Deisi, and his son, and they killed seven hundred persons there. Domhnall Breaghach Ua Maeleachlainn, with numbers of the men of Breagha along with him, proceeded into Leinster ; and Donnchadh Ua Ceallaigh, lord of Breagha, fell by the Leinstermen on that occasion. An army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ireland; Tighearnan Ua Ruaire, lord of Breifne ; Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, against Leinster and the Galls aforesaid ; and there was a challenge of battle between them for the space of three days, until lightning burned Ath-cliath ; for the foreigners [Danes] of the fortress deserted from the Connaughtmen and the people of Leath-Chuinn in general. A miracle was wrought against the foreigners. [Danes] of Ath-cliath on this occasion, for Mac Murchadha and the Saxons acted treacherously towards them, and made a slaughter of them in the middle of their own fortress, and carried off their -cattle and their goods, in consequence of their violation of their word to the men of Ireland. Asgall’, son of Raghnall, son of Turcall, chief king of the foreigners [Danes] of Athcliath, made his escape from them. A victory was gained by the son of Cormac, grandson of Carthach, and the people of Desmond, over the knights who were left to protect Port-Lairge. An army was led by Mac Murchadha and his knights into Meath and Breifne; and they plundered Cluain-Iraird’, and burned Ceanannus, Cill-Tailltean, Dubhadh, Slaine, Tuilen, Cill-Scire, and Disert-Chiarain; and they afterwards made a predatory incursion into Tir-Briuin, and carried off many prisoners and cows to their camp. The hostages of Diarmaid Mac Murchadha® were put to death by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ire-

    quists, as O’Brien, in his absurd work upon the Round Towers of Ireland, assert thai King Roderic did not execute the son of Dermot Mac Murrough, who had been delivered as a hostage for his father’s fidelity ; but we have the con-

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 151

15. Abbess of Kildare abducted by Dermot Mac Murrough

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1132

    The Abbess of Kildare was forced and taken out of her cloisters by Dermott Mac Murrogh, king of Leinster, and compelled to marry one of his people; he killed a hundred and seventy of the townsmen and household of the abbess in the process.

    Read the passage

    «“ A.D. 1135. Murrogh O’Melaghlyn was restored again to his kingdom of Meath. The Abbesse of Killdare was forced and taken out of her cloisters by Dermott Mac Murrogh, king of Lynster, and compelled to marrie one of the said Dermott’s people, at whose taking he killed a hundred and seventie of the townesmen and house of the abbesse. Cormack Mac Carhie, and Connor O’Bryen, with their forces of Munster, came to Connought, where they cleered the paces of Rabehie and Belfada; they burnt

    682

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this is the town where, in 1135, Dermot Mac Murrogh, king of Leinster, forced the Abbess of Kildare out of her cloister and compelled her to marry one of his people. He killed 170 of the townsmen and the household of the abbess in the taking.

16. Battle of Dun-bolg and death of Aedh son of Ainmire

    Dunboyke · townland · Wicklow · 594–598

    Aedh, son of Ainmire, King of Ireland, was slain by Bran Dubh, king of Leinster, in the battle of Dun-bolg after coming to exact the Borumha tribute. The battle is described at length with the leper-spy stratagem devised by Bishop Aidan.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 594. After Aedh, son of Ainmire, son of Sedna, had been twenty-seven years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he was slain by Bran Dubh, son of Eochaidh, in the battle of Dun-bolg", in Leinster, after Aedh had

    floating from poles and spears over their tents and pavilions ; and the bishop, after encouraging the King of Leinster and his attendants by recounting the mighty deeds achieved by their ancestors, departed for his church.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 594, Aedh, son of Ainmire, King of Ireland, met his end. He had been 27 years in the sovereignty of Ireland when Bran Dubh, king of Leinster, slew him in the battle of Dun-bolg. The Annals describe items floating from poles and spears over their tents and pavilions, and a bishop who encouraged the King of Leinster by recounting the mighty deeds of his ancestors before departing for his church.

17. Burning of Ard-Macha and its churches

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1020

    Ard-Macha was burned entirely, including its houses in the Trians, the great church, round tower with bells, and other churches, sparing only the library. Much gold, silver and precious things were lost in the fire.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 1020. The seventh year of Maelseachlainn. Cormac Ua Finn, a distinguished Bishop of Munster, died. Ard-Macha was burned, with all the fort, without the saving of any house within it, except the library only’, and many houses were burned in the Trians ; and the Daimhliag-mor was burned, and the Cloictheach, with its bells; and Daimhliag-na-Toe, and Daimhliag-an-tSabhaill ; and the old preaching chair, and the chariot of the abbots, and their books in the houses of the students, with much gold, silver, and other precious things. Cill-dara, with its oratory, was burned. Gleann-daloch, with its oratories, was burned. The burning of Cluain-Ivaird, Ara, Sord, and Cluain-mic-Nois. The shrine of Patrick, and the Finnfaidheach [a bell ?] of Patrick, were robbed by the plunderers, by Ua hAidith, and [the people of'] Lower Ui-Eathach ; and they carried off with them seven hundred cows. Maelmuire’, son of Eochaidh, successor of Patrick, head of the clergy of all the north-west of Europe, and flood of the dignity of the western world,—this

    1020.]

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 128

18. Death of Muircheartach mac Earca at Cleiteach

    Cletty · townland · Sligo · 527

    After twenty-four years as monarch of Ireland, Muircheartach mac Earca was burned in the house of Cleiteach over the Boyne on the night of Samhain, having first been drowned in a vat of wine. His death was said to have been foretold and carried out by Sin, daughter of Sighe, in revenge for her father's killing.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 527. After Muircheartach, son of Muireadhach, son of Eoghan, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, had been twenty-four years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he was burned in the house of Cleiteach', over the Boyne, on the night of Samhain [the first of November], after being drowned in wine. Sin composed this quatrain :

    Iam Taetan, the woman who killed the chief of Niall ;

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 50

19. Dublin burned and its lord expelled after Gleann Mama

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 999

    After the victory at Gleann Mama, Maelseachlainn and Brian proceeded to Ath-cliath, remained a full week, carried off gold, silver and prisoners, burned the fortress and expelled the lord of the foreigners, Sitric son of Amhlaeibh.

    Read the passage

    foreigners were routed and slaughtered, together with Aralt, son of Amhlaeibh, and Cuilen, son of Eitigen, and other chiefs of Ath-cliath ; and many of the foreigners were cut off in this conflict. After this Maelseachlainn and Brian proceeded to Ath-cliath, where they remained for a full week, and carried off its gold, silver, and prisoners. They burned the fortress, and expelled the lord of the foreigners, namely, Sitric, son of Amhlaeibh. To predict this battle

    was said :

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 120

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, the old Ath-cliath, this is where Maelseachlainn and Brian came after their victory at Gleann Mama in 999. The foreigners here were routed and slaughtered, including Aralt son of Amhlaeibh and other chiefs. Maelseachlainn and Brian stayed a full week, carried off gold, silver, and prisoners, burned the fortress, and expelled the lord of the foreigners, Sitric son of Amhlaeibh.

20. Plundering of the Termon of Ciaran and Feidhlimidh's mortal wound

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 843–847

    Feidhlimidh son of Crimhthann plundered the Termon of Ciaran, but Ciaran appeared to him in a vision and gave him a thrust of his crozier, causing an internal wound from which he was never well until his death.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 844. Muireadhach, son of Flan, Abbot of Mainistir- Buithe ; Cairbre, son of Colman, Abbot of Ath-Truim ; and Conaing, son of Fordomhnach, Abbot of Domhnach-Padraig", died. Fordomhnach, a wise man, and a distinguished scribe of Ard-Macha, died ; and Robhartach, son of Suibhne, Prior of Cill-achaidh, scribe and wise man, was slain. Donnchadh, son of Amhalghadh, lord of Ui-Eathach ; Clothnia, lord of Corca-Laeghdhe ; Cathal, son of Ailell, lord of Ui-Maine ; Connmhach Mor, son of Coscrach; and Niall, son of Ceannfaeladh, lord of Ui-Fidhgeinte, died. Maelduin, son of Conall, lord of Calatruim, was slain by the Leinstermen. A battle was gained over the Connaughtmen by the foreigners, in which Riagan, son of Fearghus ; Mughron, son of Diarmaid; and Aedh, son of Catharnach, with many others, were slain. Cuil-Caissine' was plundered and burned by the foreigners. The plundering of Cuil-moine* by the fleet of the Cailli'; and a fortnight’s siege was laid to them by Cearbhall, son of Dunlaing, and they were afterwards dreadfully slaughtered. The plundering of the Termon of Ciaran”, by Feidhlimidh, son of Crimhthann ; but Ciaran pursued him, as he thought, and gave him a thrust of his crozier, and he received an internal wound, so that he was not well until his death. After Niall Caille", son of Aedh Oirdnidhe, had been thirteen years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he was drowned in the Callainn, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. In commemoration of his death was said :

    A curse on thee, O severe Callainn, thou stream-like mist from a

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 92

21. Death of St Patrick and burial at Downpatrick

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 493

    St Patrick received the Body of Christ from Bishop Tassach and died at the age of 122, resigning his spirit to heaven; his body was later interred at Dun-da-lethghlas (Downpatrick) with great honour after a dispute between the Ui-Neill, Oirghialla, and Ulta over possession of it was resolved by a flooded river.

    Read the passage

    Oirghialla® attempting to bring it to Armagh ; the Ulta‘ to keep it with themselves. And the Ui-Neill and the Oirghialla came to a certain water, and the river swelled against them so that they were not able to cross it in consequence of the greatness of the flood. When the flood had subsided these hosts united on terms of peace, i.e. the Ui-Neill and the Ulta, to bring the body of Patrick with them. It appeared to each of them that each had the body conveying it to their respective territories, so that God separated them in this manner, without a fight or battle. The body of Patrick was afterwards interred at Dun-dalethglas* with great honour and veneration ; and during the twelve nights that the religious seniors were watching the body with psalms and hymns, it was not night’ in Magh-inis or the neighbouring lands, as they thought, but as if it were the full undarkened light of day.

    said : .

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 45

22. Massacre of Danes at Ath-cliath by Mac Murchadha and Saxons

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1170

    Mac Murchadha and the Saxons acted treacherously toward the Danish foreigners of Ath-cliath, slaughtering them in the middle of their own fortress and carrying off their cattle and goods.

    Read the passage

    archers, in the army of Mac Murchadha, to contest Leinster for him, and to * disturb the Irish of Ireland in general ; and Mac Murchadha gave his daughter to the Earl Strongbow for coming into his army. They took Loch Garman’, and entered Port-Lairge' by force; and they took Gillemaire, the officer of the fortress’, and Ua Faelain, lord of the Deisi, and his son, and they killed seven hundred persons there. Domhnall Breaghach Ua Maeleachlainn, with numbers of the men of Breagha along with him, proceeded into Leinster ; and Donnchadh Ua Ceallaigh, lord of Breagha, fell by the Leinstermen on that occasion. An army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ireland; Tighearnan Ua Ruaire, lord of Breifne ; Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, against Leinster and the Galls aforesaid ; and there was a challenge of battle between them for the space of three days, until lightning burned Ath-cliath ; for the foreigners [Danes] of the fortress deserted from the Connaughtmen and the people of Leath-Chuinn in general. A miracle was wrought against the foreigners. [Danes] of Ath-cliath on this occasion, for Mac Murchadha and the Saxons acted treacherously towards them, and made a slaughter of them in the middle of their own fortress, and carried off their -cattle and their goods, in consequence of their violation of their word to the men of Ireland. Asgall’, son of Raghnall, son of Turcall, chief king of the foreigners [Danes] of Athcliath, made his escape from them. A victory was gained by the son of Cormac, grandson of Carthach, and the people of Desmond, over the knights who were left to protect Port-Lairge. An army was led by Mac Murchadha and his knights into Meath and Breifne; and they plundered Cluain-Iraird’, and burned Ceanannus, Cill-Tailltean, Dubhadh, Slaine, Tuilen, Cill-Scire, and Disert-Chiarain; and they afterwards made a predatory incursion into Tir-Briuin, and carried off many prisoners and cows to their camp. The hostages of Diarmaid Mac Murchadha® were put to death by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ire-

    quists, as O’Brien, in his absurd work upon the Round Towers of Ireland, assert thai King Roderic did not execute the son of Dermot Mac Murrough, who had been delivered as a hostage for his father’s fidelity ; but we have the con-

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 151

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through a place the annals call Ath-cliath, where the Danish foreigners had their fortress. In 1170, Mac Murchadha and the Saxons acted treacherously toward those Danes, slaughtering them in the middle of their own fortress and carrying off their cattle and their goods. The annals call it a miracle wrought against the foreigners, and say it came in consequence of their violation of their word to the men of Ireland. Asgall, son of Raghnall, son of Turcall, chief king of the foreigners of Ath-cliath, made his escape. Before the slaughter, lightning had burned Ath-cliath, after the Danes of the fortress deserted from the Connaughtmen and the people of Leath-Chuinn. These events unfolded in a wider war. Mac Murchadha had given his daughter to the Earl Strongbow for coming into his army. They took Loch Garman and entered Port-Lairge by force, killing 700 persons there. Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ireland, led an army against Leinster and the Galls, with Tighearnan Ua Ruaire, lord of Breifne, and Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, and there was a challenge of battle between them for three days. Later, Mac Murchadha and his knights led an army into Meath and Breifne, burning Ceanannus, Slaine, and other churches, and carrying off prisoners and cows.

23. Wife of Tuirgeis ruled from the high altar at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    Duald Mac Firbis records that Tuirgeis took possession of and held his residence at Clonmacnoise, and that his wife was accustomed to issue orders to the people from the high altar of the cathedral church there.

    Read the passage

    ¢ And many others.—This should be, “ and many others on the islands in the Shannon, and in the vicinity of that river.” Duald Mac Firbis states, in his Account of Danish Families in Ireland, that Turgeis took possession of and held his residence at Clonmacnoise; and that his wife was wont to issue her orders to the people from the high altar of the cathedral church there.

    * Magh-Itha.—See note *, under A. M. 2530, p. 5, supra.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 91

24. Braen mac Maelmordha, King of Leinster, dies at Cologne

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014–1018

    Braen, son of Maelmordha, King of Leinster, died at Cologne, having succeeded his father after the Battle of Clontarf, later deposed and blinded before retiring abroad to an Irish monastery.

    Read the passage

    ally called Bran mac Maeilmordha. He is the progenitor after whom the Ui Broin, or O’Byrnes of Leinster, took their hereditary surname. After the fall of his father, Maelmordha, at Clontarf in 1014, he succeeded as king of Leinster; but he was deposed by O’Neill in 1015, and, in 1018, he had his eyes put out by the treachery of Sitrick, King of Dublin; after which we may believe he retired into the Irish monastery at Cologne, where he remained till his death.

    The Annals of Ulster record the following events under this year:

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 131

25. Brian's plunder of Limerick and slaying of Danish kings

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 975–977

    After Mahon's murder, Brian, now king of the Dal-gCais, made war on Donovan's allies the Danes of Limerick, slew King Ivor and two of his sons, and later plundered the city of Limerick and slew Harold, King of the Danes.

    Read the passage

    and he slew Ivor, their king, and two of his sons. After the killing of Ivor, Donovan sent for Harold, another of Ivor’s sons, and the Danes of Munster elected him as their king. As soon as Brian received intelligence of this, he made an incursion into the plains of Ui-Fidhgeinte, seized upon a vast spoil of cattle, and slew Donovan, King of Ui-Fidhgeinte, a praiseworthy deed. He also plundered the city of Limerick, slew Harold, King of the Danes, making a great slaughter of his people, and returned home, loaded with immense spoils. This was in the second year after the murder of Mahon.”

    The above epochs are all perfectly correct, as can be shewn from the accurate chronology of the Annals of Tighernach and those of Ulster.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you're in a city Brian Boru himself plundered around 976. After Mahon's murder, Brian, now king of the Dal-gCais, went to war against the Danes of Limerick, allies of Donovan. He slew their king Ivor and two of Ivor's sons. But Donovan sent for Harold, another of Ivor's sons, and the Danes of Munster elected him their king. Brian struck back fast. He raided the plains of Ui-Fidhgeinte, carried off a vast spoil of cattle, and slew Donovan himself. Then he plundered Limerick, slew Harold, King of the Danes, and made a great slaughter of his people. He returned home, the annals say,

26. Diarmaid Mac Murchadha's treachery against Leinster chieftains

    Leinster · province · 1141

    Diarmaid Mac Murchadha, King of Leinster, acted treacherously and killed Domhnall, lord of Ui-Faelain, and Ua Tuathail, and blinded Muircheartach Mac Gillamocholmog, causing great weakness in Leinster with seventeen nobles killed or blinded.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 1141. Domhnall Ua Coinfhiacla, lord of Teathbha, died at Cluain-Eraird, after penance. Aedh Ua Longain, steward of Munster, died. The successor of Ciaran was robbed by the Sil-Anmchadha and Conchobhar, the son of Mac Cochlain, at Cluain-finnlocha’’ The booty was immediately restored by Conchobhar, son of Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair. Diarmaid Mac Murchadha, King of Leinster, acted treacherously towards the chieftains of Leinster, namely, towards Domhnall, lord of Ui-Faelain, and royal heir of Leinster, and towards Ua Tuathail, i.e. Murchadh, both of whom he killed; and also towards Muircheartach Mac Gillamocholmog, lord of Feara- Cualann, who was blinded by him. This deed caused great weakness in Leinster, for seventeen of the nobility of Leinster, and many others [of inferior rank] along with them, were killed or blinded by him at that time. Donnchadh, son of Goll Gaibhle®, i.e. Ua Conchobhair Failghe, was killed by the Ui-Failghe themselves, i.e. the Clann-Maelughra. Domhnall Ua Loingsigh, lord of Dal-Araidhe, was slain by the Crotraighi’, Guilla-na-naemh Ua Fear-

    unknown, unless the present barony of Cath- “‘ in coblang, i. e. of the fleet,” which shows that raighe, or Carey, in the north-east of the county _ they were seated along the sea.—See Leabhar-naof Antrim. In Leabhar-na-gCeart they are styled gCcart, printed by the CelticSociety, p.171, note".

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 145

27. Expulsion of foreigners from Ath-cliath fortress

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 897

    The foreigners were expelled from Ireland from their fortress at Ath-cliath (Dublin) by Cearbhall, son of Muirigen, and the Leinstermen, aided by Maelfinnia, leaving great numbers of ships behind and escaping half-dead across the sea.

    Read the passage

    i.e. by Maelbairne. Finguine, i. e. Cenngeagain, King of Munster, was slain by his own tribe. The expulsion of the foreigners from Ireland, from the fortress of Ath-cliath, by Cearbhall, son of Muirigen, and by the Leinstermen ; by Maelfinnia, with the men of Breagh about him; and, leaving great numbers of their ships behind them, they escaped half dead across the sea. Dunghal, son of Cearbhall, was mortally wounded by [the people of] Laeighis. The foreigners of Ath-cliath were besieged" on Inis-mic-Neachtain®. Foghartach, son of Flann, died. Cathasach, son of Fearghus, Tanist-abbot of Ard-Macha, died.

    - The Age of Christ, 898. The twenty-second year of Flann. Caenchomrac of Inis-Endoimh‘, Bishop and Abbot of Lughmhadh, the tutor of Aenagan, son of Eigeartach, and of Dunadhach, son of Eigeartach, from whom are descended the Ui-Cuinn na mBocht, died on the twenty-third day of July. Suairleach, anchorite and Bishop of Treoit; Maelciarain, Abbot of Tir-da-ghlas, and Cluain-eidhneach ; Ailell, son of Aenghus, Abbot of Cill-Cuilinn ; Cosgrach, who was called Truaghan’, anchorite of Inis-Cealtra; [and] Tuathal, anchorite, died. Scannall of Teach-Teille ; Ailill of Rath-Epscoip"; and Reachtabhra of Ros-Cre, died. Caenchomhrac, of the caves of Inis-bo-fine, died. Maelfinnia, son of Flannagan, lord of Breagh, who was a religious, devout layman, [died].

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead, the road passes through Dublin, the place the old annals call Ath-cliath. In the year 897, the foreigners who held the fortress here were expelled from Ireland. It was Cearbhall, son of Muirigen, and the Leinstermen who drove them out, with Maelfinnia and the men of Breagh beside them. The foreigners left great numbers of their ships behind them and, as the annal puts it, escaped half dead across the sea. Dunghal, son of Cearbhall, was mortally wounded in the fighting, struck down by the people of Laeighis. The annal also records that the foreigners of Ath-cliath were besieged on Inis-mic-Neachtain. It was a brief entry in a year otherwise filled with deaths of bishops, abbots and anchorites across Ireland, but for Dublin it marked a moment when the foreign grip on the fortress was broken, and those who survived fled across the sea from the place you are passing through now.

28. Franciscan monastery of Donegal, site of the Annals' compilation

    Donegal · town · Donegal · 1474–1841

    The monastery of Donegal, near which the Annals were compiled (hence called Annales Dungallenses), was founded in 1474 by Hugh Roe O'Donnell and his wife Finola for Franciscan Friars of the Strict Observance; its remains, including a cloister with small arches and hidden storage passages, were still visible near the town of Donegal.

    Read the passage

    The remains of this monastery are still to be seen, in tolerable preservation, at a short distance from the town of Donegal. The cloister consists of small arches, supported by couplets of pillars on a basement. In one part are two narrow passages, one over the other, about four feet wide, ten long, and seven high, which seem to have been places for depositing valuable effects in times of danger. The

    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. oe

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Just ahead through Donegal, you're near the site of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1474 by Hugh Roe O'Donnell and his wife Finola. The Annals were compiled close by, which is why they're also called the Annales Dungallenses. The ruins are still visible: a cloister of small arches on paired pillars, and two narrow passages, one over the other, about four feet wide, ten long, and seven high, where valuables were hidden in times of danger.

29. Great burning of Armagh including Damliac mor and Cloicteach

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1020

    Armagh was burnt by fire across the whole rath, destroying nearly every building except the library, including the great stone church, the round tower with its bells, several other churches, and the old preaching chair.

    Read the passage

    Coir Cpfopc, mile piche. Cn plécmad bliadain vo Maoil(chlamn. Copbmac Ua Fino pui eppcop Muman, véce. Mpomacha vo lorccad sup an pat ule, san clpanccam aon tige inte cenmota an ceach pceneaptpa nama, 7 po loipects iol cage 1p na tneabarb,7 po lopecad in Ooimliace mop, 7 mm Cloicteach co na cloccaib,7 Oamliags na Toe, Oaimliace an cSabanll, 7 an cpfn cataoin ppoic(pca,7 Cappac na nObbad,4 a hubaip 1 ccangib na mac le1ginn co momatt oi, 7 angi, 7] Zach peorc ancfna. Ceall vana co na vepntorg vo lopccad. Gl(nd oa loca co na ventaisib vo lopccad. Lopecod Cluana lopaipo, Apano, Suipo, 7 Cluana mic Nop. Scpin Paccparce, 7 an Finnporoeach Paccpaice vo onccam 6 mspinneib, 7 la hUa nQoie,7 la hioccayUa n€acoac, co puccpact un céd b6 led. Maolmuipe, mac Eochada, comonba Patnaicc, cfho clénech 1aptain tuaipceipt Eonpa ule, 7 cule

    GNNaza RIOshachta eiReaNn.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 127

30. Kincora, palace of the kings of Thomond at Killaloe

    near Killaloe · townland · Clare

    A footnote identifies Ceann-Coradh, or Kincora, as a hill in the town of Killaloe where the kings of Thomond built their palace, extending from the present Roman Catholic chapel to the brow of the hill over the bridge, though no vestige of it remains.

    Read the passage

    anglicised Kincora. This was the name of a hill in the present town of Killaloe, in the county of Clare, where the kings of Thomond erected a palace. It extended from the present Roman Catholic chapel to the brow of the hill over the bridge ; but not a vestige of it remains. The name is still retained in Kincora Lodge, situated not far from the original site of Brian Borumha’s palace.—See Cireuit of Muircheartach Mac Neill, p- 46. ;

    * Ua Domhnaill.—Now anglicé O’Donnell. This is the first notice of the surname Ua Domhnaill to be found in the Irish annals. This family, who, after the English invasion, became supreme princes or kings of Tirconnell, had been previously chiefs of the cantred of Cinel-

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 122

31. Massacre at Dearc Fearna cave, one thousand killed

    near Dunmore Cave · monument · Kilkenny · 928

    Godfrey, grandson of Imhar, with the foreigners of Ath-cliath, demolished and plundered Dearc Fearna, where one thousand persons were killed. The site is identified as probably the cave of Dunmore near Kilkenny.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 928. The eleventh year of Donnchadh. Nuadha, Bishop of Gleann-da-locha ; Flann of Fobhar, Abbot of Lughmhadh ; Maelcaeimhghin, son of Scannlan, Abbot of Teach-Mochua; and Donnghal, Abbot of Ros-Comain, died. Muircheartach, son of Eagra, lord of Luighne, and Idhnaidhe Ua Mannachain, were slain. Godfrey, grandson of Imhar, with the foreigners of Ath-cliath, demolished and plundered Dearc Fearna*, where one thousand persons were killed in this year, as is stated in this quatrain :

    feliciter Rome quievit.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 107

32. Siege of the Danes at Ath-cliath and the Babylonian captivity

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 980

    Maelseachlainn and Eochaidh, King of Ulidia, led a great army against the foreigners of Ath-cliath, besieging them for three days and nights, taking 2000 hostages and freeing the Ui-Neill from tribute. Maelseachlainn issued a proclamation freeing all Gaeidhil held in servitude by the foreigners.

    Read the passage

    Ath-cliath, went to Hi on his pilgrimage ; and he died there, after penance and a good life. A great army* was led by Maelseachlainn, son of Domhnall, King of Ireland, and by Eochaidh, son of Ardgar, King of Ulidia, against the foreigners of Ath-cliath; and they laid siege to them for three days and three nights, and carried thence the hostages of Ireland, and among the rest Domhnall Claen, King of Leinster, and all the hostages of the Ui-Neill. Two thousand was the number of the hostages, besides jewels and goods, and the freedom of the U-Neill, from the Sinainn to the sea, from tribute and exaction. It was then Maelseachlainn himself issued the famous proclamation, in which he said :— “ Every one of the Gaeidhil who is in the territory of the foreigners, in servitude This captivity was the Babylonian captivity of Ireland, until they were released by Maelseachlainn ; it was indeed next to the captivity of hell. _ The Age of Christ, 980 [recté 981]. The second year of Maelseachlainn. Anmchadh’, Bishop of Cill-dara, completed his virtuous life in this world, at an advanced life. Eoghan Ua Cathain, Abbot of Cluain-fearta-Brenainn ; Sinach, son of Murthuilen, Abbot of Beannchair ; Clerchen, son of Dgnnghal, successor of Feichin ; Conaing Ua Flannagain, vice-airchinneach of Ard-Macha; and Rothechtach of Daimhinis, a priest, died. Domhnall Ua hAiteidh, lord of Ui-Eathach, and Loingseach, son of Foghartach, chief of Ui-Niallain, mutually fell by each other. Donnghal, son of Duibhrighe, Abbot of Fidh-duin, died. The Age of Christ, 981 [recté 982]. The third year of Maelseachlainn. Muireadhach, son of Ruadhrach, successor of Fechin, [and] Bruadar, son of

    Echthighern, lord of Ui-Ceinnsealaigh, [died].

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin lies ahead. In 980, this place was Ath-cliath, where a great army was led by Maelseachlainn, son of Domhnall, King of Ireland, and by Eochaidh, son of Ardgar, King of Ulidia, against the foreigners of Ath-cliath. They laid siege to them for three days and three nights, and carried thence the hostages of Ireland. Among the hostages was Domhnall Claen, King of Leinster, and all the hostages of the Uí-Néill. Two thousand was the number of the hostages, besides jewels and goods, and the freedom of the Uí-Néill, from the Sinainn to the sea, from tribute and exaction. It was then Maelseachlainn himself issued the famous proclamation, in which he said that every one of the Gaeidhil who is in the territory of the foreigners, in servitude, should be freed. This captivity was the Babylonian captivity of Ireland, until they were released by Maelseachlainn. The annals say it was indeed next to the captivity of hell. The age of Christ was 980, though the annals note it should be 981, the second year of Maelseachlainn. In that same year, Anmchadh, Bishop of Cill-dara, completed his virtuous life at an advanced age. Eoghan Ua Cathain, Abbot of Cluain-fearta-Brenainn, died. Sinach, son of Murthuilen, Abbot of Beannchair, died. Clerchen, son of Dinnghal, successor of Feichin, died. Conaing Ua Flannagain, vice-airchinneach of Ard-Macha, died. Rothechtach of Daimhinis, a priest, died. Domhnall Ua hAiteidh, lord of Ui-Eathach, and Loingseach, son of Foghartach, chief of Ui-Niallain, mutually fell by each other. Donnghal, son of Duibhrighe, Abbot of Fidh-duin, died.

33. Aedh Ua Conchobhair's assault on Ceann-coradh (Kincora)

    near Kincora · monument · Clare · 1061

    Aedh an Gha-bhearnaigh Ua Conchobhair led an army to Ceann-coradh, demolished the fortress, destroyed the well's enclosing wall, ate its two salmons, and burned Cill-Dalua.

    Read the passage

    chief anmchara of Ireland, anchorite, and successor of Finnen; and Maelbrighde Mac-an-Ghobhann, died of the plague. Ogan Ua Cormacain, airchinneach of Inis-Cumscraigh?; and Conaing, fossairchinneach of Ard-Macha, died. Domhnall Ua Maeldoraidh was slain by Ruaidhri Ua Canannain in a battle. Cu- Uladh, son of Conghalach, lord of Uachtar-thire, died after a good life. Niall, son of Maelseachlainn, lord of Oileach, died. An army was led by Aedh an Gha-bhearnaigh? Ua Conchobhair to Ceann-coradh [Kincora]; and he demolished the fortress, and destroyed the enclosing wall of the well, and eat its two salmons, and also burned Cill-Dalua. The Muintir-Murchadha’ invaded Loch Oirbsean, and deposed ‘Aedh Ua Conchobhair. ‘The victory of Gleann-Phadraig* was gained by Aedh Ua Conchobhair over [the people of] West Connaught, where many were slain, together with Ruaidhri. O’Flaithbheartaigh, lord of West Connaught, was beheaded, and _ his head was carried to Cruachain in Connaught’, after the son of Aedh, son of Ruaidhri, had been defeated. Gleann-da-locha was burned, with its churches. Flann Ua Ceallaigh, heir to the lordships of Breagha, was slain by the Saithni. Gairbhith Ua Cathasaigh, lord of Breagha, died. The son of Mac Dunghail, lord of Ui-Briuin-Chualann, died. The son of Mael-na-mbo, lord of Leinster and of the foreigners, proceeded into Munster about Allhallowtide, and made a bloody slaughter of the Munstermen at Cnamh-choill’, and burned the plain of Munster’, both houses and corn.

    The Age of Christ, 1062. Gillachrist Ua Maeldoraidh, successor of Colum- Cille both in Ireland and Alba ; Maelruanaidh Ua Daighre’*, chief anmchara of the north of Ireland ; and Murchadh Ua Laidhgnen’, airchinneach of Fearna,

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 132

34. Burial of Brian Boru and Murchadh at Sord-Choluim-Chille and Ard Macha

    Swords · town · Dublin · 1014

    After the Battle of Clontarf, Maelmuire, successor of Patrick, went with clergy and relics to Sord-Choluim-Chille and brought thence the bodies of Brian, Murchadh, and the heads of Conaing and Mothla. The bodies were waked with honour and interred at Ard-Macha in a new tomb.

    Read the passage

    Maelmuire, son of Eochaidh, successor of Patrick, proceeded with the seniors and relics to Sord-Choluim-Chille’; and they carried from thence the body of

    vertheless, made his way to Murchadh, who, on reproaching him for his delay, was informed that Oeibhinn was the cause. Whereupon O’Hartagain conducted Murehadh to where she was, and a conversation ensued in which she predicted the fall of Brian as well as of Murchadh, O’Hartagain, and other chief men of their army:

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 126

35. Combat on horseback between Mac Coyssie and King Moyleseaghlyn

    Ireland · place · 990

    After being granted the crown's revenues for a year, Mac Coyssie refused to relinquish them, leading to a mounted combat challenge by King Moyleseaghlyn. The king, a renowned horseman, defeated Mac Coyssie without killing him and reclaimed the kingdom's revenues.

    Read the passage

    ingly, and at the year’s end, when the King would have the said Revenewes to himselfe, Mac Coyssie said that he would never suffer the King from thencefoorth to have any part of the Royalltys or profitts, but wou’d keep all to himself, whether the king would or no, or loose his Life in defence thereof: whereupon the King challenged Mac Coyssie to fight on Horseback, which mac Coyssie willinglie consented to do, though he knew himself unable to resist the valourous and incomparable hardy hand of King Moyleseaghlyn, who was generally ‘coumpted to be the best horseman in these parts of Europe; for King Moyleseaghlyn’s dileight was to ride a horse that was never broken, handled, or ridden, untill the age of seven years, which he would so exactly ride as any other man would ride an old Tame and Gentle Horse. Notwithstanding all Mac Coyssie was of such hope that the King of his favour of Poetry and Learning would never draw his blood, which did embolden and encourage him to Combatt with the King, and being on horse-

    726 cae aNNaza RIOSshachca eiReaNn. (990.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 119

36. Destruction of Ath-cliath (Dublin) by the Irish

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 942

    Dublin was utterly destroyed by the Irish under Conghalach, son of Maelmithigh; houses, ships and structures were burned, women and boys taken captive, and inhabitants killed, drowned or burned, with only a few escaping by ship to Deilginis (Dalkey Island).

    Read the passage

    heir apparent to the sovereignty of Ireland; Braen, son of Maelmordha, King of Leinster; Ceallach, son of Faelan, heir of Leinster. The destruction brought upon it was this, i. e. its houses, divisions, ships, and all other structures, were burned ; its women, boys, and plebeians, were carried into bondage. It was totally destroyed, from four to one man, by killing and drowning, burning and capturing, excepting a small number who fled in a few ships, and reached Deilginis’.. Of which was said :

    Nine hundred years of lasting harmony, Four times ten and two, is seen,

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin was wiped out in 942. The Irish under Conghal, son of Maelmithigh, burned its houses, its ships, and every structure. The women and boys were carried off into bondage. The annals say the place was totally destroyed, from four to one man, by killing, drowning, burning and capturing. Only a small number escaped in a few ships and reached Dalkey Island. Of it was said: "Nine hundred years of lasting harmony, four times ten and two, is seen."

37. Friars compile Annals in cottages near Donegal monastery

    Donegal · town · Donegal · 1601–1650

    After Rory O'Donnell was restored to his possessions, the Franciscan brotherhood lived in huts near the ruined monastery until the Revolution period. It was in one of these cottages, not the great ruined monastery itself, that the Annals of the Four Masters were actually compiled.

    Read the passage

    After the restoration of Rory O’Donnell to his possessions, the brotherhood were permitted to live in huts or cottages near the monastery, from whence they were not disturbed till the period of the Revolution. It was in one of these cottages, and not, as is generally supposed, in the great monastery now in ruins, that this work was compiled by the Four Masters.

    The following curious account of the flight of the friars from this monastery is taken from a manuscript history of the Franciscans, in the College of St. Anthony, at Louvain, compiled by Fr. Antonius Purcell, under the direction of the Very Rev. Father Donough Mooney (Donatus Moneus), Provincial of the Order of St. Francis, Noy. 2, A. D. 1617. The manuscript is now No. 3195, Manuscrit. Bibliotheque de Bourgogne, Bruxelles.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Donegal, you are near the spot where the Annals of the Four Masters were actually written. After Rory O'Donnell was restored to his possessions, the Franciscan brotherhood lived in huts and cottages near the ruined monastery, undisturbed until the Revolution period. It was in one of these cottages, not the great monastery itself, that this famous work was compiled by the Four Masters.

38. Interment of Brian Boru in a new tomb at Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1014

    The body of Brian, King of Ireland, and of Murchadh his son, along with the heads of Conaing and Mothla, were waked with great honour and buried at Ard-Macha in a newly made tomb.

    Read the passage

    Brian, King of Ireland, and the body of Murchadh, his son, and the head of Conaing, and the head of Mothla. Maelmuire and his clergy waked the bodies with great honour and veneration ; and they were interred at Ard-Macha in a newtomb. A battle between the two sons of Brian, i.e. Donnchadh and Tadhg. Donnchadh was defeated, and Ruaidhri Ua Donnagain, lord of Aradh, and many others along with him, fell in the battle. An army was led by Ua Maeldoraidh and O’Ruaire into Magh-Aei; and they slew Domhnall, son of Cathal, and plundered the plain, and carried off the hostages of Connaught. The Age of Christ, 1014 [recte 1015]. The first year of Maelseachlainn Mor, son of Domhnall, over Ireland, after the killing of Brian, son of Ceinneidigh. Ronan, successor of Fechin ; Colum Ua Flannagain, Abbot of Maein- Choluim-Chille*; and Conaing, son of Finn, Abbot of Doire-mor* and Liath- Mochaemhog*, died. Muircheartach Ua Lorcain, airchinneach of Lothra, died. Niall, son of Dearggan, airchinneach of Mungairit, was killed. Donnghal Macua Chantene, airchinneach of Tir-da-ghlas, [died]. Muircheartach, son of Muireadhach Ua Neill, was slain by Con¢hobhar Ua Domhnallain‘ lord of Ui-Tuirtre.

    wake of the bodyes, propter honorem Regis positi. Dunlaing mac Tuohall, king of Lenster, died. A battle betwene Kyan mac Maeilmuai and Donell mac Duvdavorenn, where Kyan, Cahell, and Ragallach, three sonns of Maelmuai, were killed. Teige mac Bryan put Duncha mac Bryan to flight, where Roary O’Donnagan, king of Ara, was slaine. An army by O’Maeldorai and O’Royrk into Magh Naei, where they killed Donell mac Cahall, and spoyled the Magh” [i. e. the Maghery, or plain of Connaught], ‘“ and caryed ther captives; licet non in eadem vice. Dalnarai dispersed by Ulster, where many were killed, Flavertach mac Donell, Coarb of Kyaran and Finnen ; and Ronan, Coarb of Fechin ; and Conn O’Digrai, in Christo dormierunt. The annals of this year are many.”—Cod. Clarend., tom. 49.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 126

39. Plundering of Duleek by Milo Cogan's knights

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1171

    Daimhliag-Chianain (Duleek) was plundered by the knights of Milo Cogan; some of them were subsequently slain the following day by the Danes of Dublin in revenge for the profanation of Cianan's church.

    Read the passage

    of Monaigh* at Dun [Downpatrick], after having perpetrated many evil deeds. A predatory incursion was made upon the Saithni by Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, with the men of Breifne. They slew numbers of persons, and carried off many cows. Another predatory incursion was made by Tighearnan into South Breagha ; and he slew Gillan-Enain Mac Lughadha, i. e. chief of Cuircne, and Mac Gillaseachlainn, chief of South Breagha. Ua Lamhdhuibh was slain by the men of Meath on this occasion. Domhnall Breaghach, lord of Meath, delivered hostages to Tighearnan Ua Ruairc. Seven predatory incursions were made by the Ui-Maine into Ormond, from Palm-Sunday till Low-Sunday. Daimhliag-Chianain [Duleek] was plundered by the knights of Milo Cogan ; and some of them were slain on the following day by the foreigners [i. e. Danes] of Ath-cliath, in revenge of Cianan. The battle of Ath-cliath was fought between Milo Cogan and Asgall, [who was for] some time before king of the foreigners [Danes] of Ireland. Many were slaughtered on both sides of the Saxon knights and the foreigners [Danes] of Ath-cliath. Asgall’, son of Ragh- _nall, fell therein, as did Eoan, a Dane from the Insi-hOre [Orkney Islands], and many others besides them. An army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, Tighearnan Ua Ruaire, and Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, to Ath-cliath, to lay siege to the Earl, i. e. Strongbow, and Milo Cogan. There were conflicts and skirmishes between them for the space of a fortnight. O’Conchobhair afterwards went against the Leinstermen, with the cavalry of the men of Breifne and Airghialla, to cut down and burn the corn of the Saxons. The Earl and Milo Cogan afterwards entered the camp of Leath-Chuinn, and slew many of their commonalty, and carried off their provisions’, armour, and horses. A victory was gained by the son of Cormac Mac Carthaigh over the foreigners of Luimneach. A great number of them was slain by him, and, among the rest, Foirne, son of Gillacainnigh, and Torchar, son of Treni; and he burned the market and half the fortress to its centre. An army was led by Tighearnan Ua Ruairc*

    corn, meal, and pork, as was sufficient to vic-

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 152

40. Primate Forannan captured at Cluain-Comharda and shipped to Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 843–844

    Forannan, Primate of Ard-Macha, was taken prisoner by Viking foreigners at Cluain-Comharda along with his relics and people, and carried to their ships at Luimneach (Limerick).

    Read the passage

    where Aedh, son of Dubdhachrich, Abbot of Tir-da-ghlas and Cluain-eidhneach, was taken prisoner; and they carried him into Munster, where he suffered martyrdom for the sake of God; and Ceithearnach, son of Cudinaisg, Prior of Cill-dara, with many others besides, was killed by them during the same plundering excursion. Forannan, Primate of Ard-Macha, was taken prisoner by the foreigners, at Cluain-Comharda’, with his relics and people, and they were carried by them to their ships at Luimneach®. An expedition by Tuirgeis’, lord of the foreigners, upon Loch-Ribh, so that they plundered Connaught and Meath, and burned Cluain-mic-Nois, with its oratories, Cluain-fearta-Brenainn, Tir-daghlas, Lothra, and many others® in like manner. A battle was gained over the and a countless number fell. Tuirgeis was taken prisoner by Maelseachlainn, son of Maelruainaidh ; and he was afterwards drowned in Loch-Uair’, through the miracle of

    Hugh, upon Gentiles at Magh Tha.”—Ann. Ul. Cod. Clarend., tom. 49.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 91

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where Viking ships once sat with a notable captive aboard. In 843, Forannan, Primate of Armagh, was seized by the foreigners at Cluain-Comharda, taken with his relics and his people, and carried here to their ships. It was part of a wider wave of attacks. The same raiding saw Aedh, son of Dubdhachrich, Abbot of Tir-da-ghlas and Cluain-eidhneach, taken prisoner into Munster, where he suffered martyrdom, and Ceithearnach, Prior of Kildare, killed. Tuirgeis, lord of the foreigners, led an expedition on Loch Ree, plundering Connaught and Meath, and burning Clonmacnoise with its oratories, Clonfert, Terryglass, Lothra, and many others. Tuirgeis himself was later taken prisoner by Maelseachlainn and drowned in Loch Oughter.

41. Robbery of jewels from the great altar at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1129–1130

    The altar of the great church of Cluain-mic-Nois was robbed of many precious jewels including royal gifts and a model of Solomon's Temple, all later revealed and recovered through the intercession of St Ciaran.

    Read the passage

    Manach”. ‘The castle of Ath-Luain and the bridge were erected by Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair in the summer of this year, i.e. the summer of the drought. The altar of the great church of Cluain-mic-Nois* was robbed, and jewels were carried off from thence, namely, the carracan [model] of Solomon’s Temple, which had been presented by Maelseachlainn, son of Domhnall ; the Cudin [Catinum] of Donnchadh, son of Flann; and the three jewels which Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair had presented, i.e. a silver goblet, a silver cup with a gold cross over it, and a drinking-horn with gold; the drinkinghorn of Ua Riada, King of Aradh ; a silver chalice, with a burnishing of gold upon it, with an engraving by the daughter of Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair ; and .the silver cup of Ceallach, successor of Patrick. But Ciaran, from whom they were stolen, afterwards revealed them. Ceallach’, successor of Patrick, a son of purity, and Archbishop of the west of Europe, the only head whom the foreigners and Irish of Ireland, both laity and clergy, obeyed; after having ordained bishops, priests, and persons of every degree ; after having consecrated many churches and cemeteries ; after having bestowed jewels and wealth ; after having established rules and good morals among all, both laity and clergy ; after having spent a life of fusting, prayer, and mass-celebration ; after unction and good penance, resigned his spirit to heaven, at Ard-Padraig, in Munster, on

    1033

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 144

42. Siege of Dublin by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1171

    An army led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, and Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill laid siege to the Earl (Strongbow) and Milo Cogan at Ath-cliath, with conflicts and skirmishes lasting a fortnight before the besiegers withdrew to burn corn.

    Read the passage

    of Monaigh* at Dun [Downpatrick], after having perpetrated many evil deeds. A predatory incursion was made upon the Saithni by Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, with the men of Breifne. They slew numbers of persons, and carried off many cows. Another predatory incursion was made by Tighearnan into South Breagha ; and he slew Gillan-Enain Mac Lughadha, i. e. chief of Cuircne, and Mac Gillaseachlainn, chief of South Breagha. Ua Lamhdhuibh was slain by the men of Meath on this occasion. Domhnall Breaghach, lord of Meath, delivered hostages to Tighearnan Ua Ruairc. Seven predatory incursions were made by the Ui-Maine into Ormond, from Palm-Sunday till Low-Sunday. Daimhliag-Chianain [Duleek] was plundered by the knights of Milo Cogan ; and some of them were slain on the following day by the foreigners [i. e. Danes] of Ath-cliath, in revenge of Cianan. The battle of Ath-cliath was fought between Milo Cogan and Asgall, [who was for] some time before king of the foreigners [Danes] of Ireland. Many were slaughtered on both sides of the Saxon knights and the foreigners [Danes] of Ath-cliath. Asgall’, son of Ragh- _nall, fell therein, as did Eoan, a Dane from the Insi-hOre [Orkney Islands], and many others besides them. An army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, Tighearnan Ua Ruaire, and Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, to Ath-cliath, to lay siege to the Earl, i. e. Strongbow, and Milo Cogan. There were conflicts and skirmishes between them for the space of a fortnight. O’Conchobhair afterwards went against the Leinstermen, with the cavalry of the men of Breifne and Airghialla, to cut down and burn the corn of the Saxons. The Earl and Milo Cogan afterwards entered the camp of Leath-Chuinn, and slew many of their commonalty, and carried off their provisions’, armour, and horses. A victory was gained by the son of Cormac Mac Carthaigh over the foreigners of Luimneach. A great number of them was slain by him, and, among the rest, Foirne, son of Gillacainnigh, and Torchar, son of Treni; and he burned the market and half the fortress to its centre. An army was led by Tighearnan Ua Ruairc*

    corn, meal, and pork, as was sufficient to vic-

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Dublin, this is where, in 1171, an army led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, and Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill came to lay siege to the Earl, Strongbow, and Milo Cogan. The fighting here had been building before the siege itself. The knights of Milo Cogan had plundered Daimhliag-Chianain, Duleek, and the next day some of them were slain by the Danes of the city, in revenge of Cianan. Then came the battle between Milo Cogan and Asgall, who had been for some time king of the Danes of Ireland. Many were slaughtered on both sides, among the Saxon knights and the Danes of the city. Asgall son of Raghnaill fell in that battle, as did Eoan, a Dane from the Orkney Islands, and many others besides them. After that, the three leaders brought their army to lay siege to Strongbow and Milo Cogan. There were conflicts and skirmishes between them for the space of a fortnight. O'Conchobhair then went against the Leinstermen with the cavalry of the men of Breifne and Airghialla, to cut down and burn the corn of the Saxons. The Earl and Milo Cogan afterwards entered the camp of Leath-Chuinn, and slew many of the commonalty, and carried off their provisions, armour, and horses.

43. Three-day siege and burning of Ath-cliath

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1170

    Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, Tighearnan Ua Ruaire, and Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill led an army against Leinster and the foreigners, with a three-day battle challenge at Ath-cliath until lightning burned the town, after which the Danish foreigners deserted the Connaughtmen.

    Read the passage

    archers, in the army of Mac Murchadha, to contest Leinster for him, and to * disturb the Irish of Ireland in general ; and Mac Murchadha gave his daughter to the Earl Strongbow for coming into his army. They took Loch Garman’, and entered Port-Lairge' by force; and they took Gillemaire, the officer of the fortress’, and Ua Faelain, lord of the Deisi, and his son, and they killed seven hundred persons there. Domhnall Breaghach Ua Maeleachlainn, with numbers of the men of Breagha along with him, proceeded into Leinster ; and Donnchadh Ua Ceallaigh, lord of Breagha, fell by the Leinstermen on that occasion. An army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ireland; Tighearnan Ua Ruaire, lord of Breifne ; Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, against Leinster and the Galls aforesaid ; and there was a challenge of battle between them for the space of three days, until lightning burned Ath-cliath ; for the foreigners [Danes] of the fortress deserted from the Connaughtmen and the people of Leath-Chuinn in general. A miracle was wrought against the foreigners. [Danes] of Ath-cliath on this occasion, for Mac Murchadha and the Saxons acted treacherously towards them, and made a slaughter of them in the middle of their own fortress, and carried off their -cattle and their goods, in consequence of their violation of their word to the men of Ireland. Asgall’, son of Raghnall, son of Turcall, chief king of the foreigners [Danes] of Athcliath, made his escape from them. A victory was gained by the son of Cormac, grandson of Carthach, and the people of Desmond, over the knights who were left to protect Port-Lairge. An army was led by Mac Murchadha and his knights into Meath and Breifne; and they plundered Cluain-Iraird’, and burned Ceanannus, Cill-Tailltean, Dubhadh, Slaine, Tuilen, Cill-Scire, and Disert-Chiarain; and they afterwards made a predatory incursion into Tir-Briuin, and carried off many prisoners and cows to their camp. The hostages of Diarmaid Mac Murchadha® were put to death by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ire-

    quists, as O’Brien, in his absurd work upon the Round Towers of Ireland, assert thai King Roderic did not execute the son of Dermot Mac Murrough, who had been delivered as a hostage for his father’s fidelity ; but we have the con-

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 151

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Dublin. In 1170 this place was Ath-cliath, and it burned. The trouble began when Mac Murchadha brought foreign archers into Ireland to contest Leinster for him, and gave his daughter to the Earl Strongbow for coming into his army. They took Loch Garman and entered Port-Lairge by force. They seized Gillemaire, the officer of the fortress, and Ua Faelain, lord of the Deisi, and his son, and they killed 700 persons there. Domhnall Breaghach Ua Maeleachlainn, with men of Breagha, proceeded into Leinster, and Donnchadh Ua Ceallaigh, lord of Breagha, fell by the Leinstermen. Then an army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ireland; Tighearnan Ua Ruaire, lord of Breifne; and Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, against Leinster and the foreigners. There was a challenge of battle between them for three days, until lightning burned Ath-cliath. The Danes of the fortress deserted from the Connaughtmen and the people of Leath-Chuinn. A miracle was wrought against the Danes of Ath-cliath. Mac Murchadha and the Saxons acted treacherously toward them and made a slaughter of them in the middle of their own fortress, and carried off their cattle and their goods, in consequence of their violation of their word to the men of Ireland. Asgall, son of Raghnall, son of Turcall, chief king of the Danes of Ath-cliath, made his escape. After this, the hostages of Diarmaid Mac Murchadha were put to death by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ireland.

44. Tradition of Balor remembered on Tory Island and Cong

    Tory Island · townland · Donegal

    Balor is vividly remembered by tradition throughout Ireland, especially on Tory Island where he is believed to have chiefly resided, and on the opposite Donegal coast, and also at Cong in Mayo. Children are frightened by his name in some places.

    Read the passage

    frighten children by his name; but he is more vividly remembered on Tory Island,—where he is believed to have chiefly resided,—and on the opposite coast of Donegal, than anywhere else, The tradition connected with Balor, on Tory Island, was written by the Editor in 1835, from the dictation of Shane O’Dugan, whose ancestor is

    except, perhaps, at Cong, in Mayo.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 21

45. Whale with golden teeth cast ashore at Boirche

    near Mourne Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Down · 739

    A whale was cast ashore in Boirche (the Mourne mountains) and everyone in the neighbourhood came to see it for its wondrousness. When slaughtered, three golden teeth were found in its head, each containing fifty ounces of gold, and one tooth was sent to Beannchair (Bangor) where it remained long on the altar.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 739. The first year of Domhnall, son of Murchadh’, son of Diarmaid, over Ireland ; [he was the first king of the Clann-Colmain’]. Colman, Bishop of Laessan‘, died. Laidhgnen, son of Doineannach, Abbot of Saighir, [died]. Fergus, son of Colman Cutlach, a celebrated philosopher, died. Reachtabhrat, son of Fearghal, one of the Connaughtmen, died. The battle of Ailiun-da-bernach’, in which were slain Dubhdados, son of Murghal, [and] the two grandsons of Ceallach Cualann, [namely], Cathal and Oilioll. The sea cast ashore a whale in Boirche’, in the province of Ulster. Every one in the neighbourhood went to see it for its wondrousness. When it was slaughtered, three golden teeth were found in its head, each of which teeth contained fifty sunces. Fiachna, son of Aedh Roin, King of Ulidia, and Eochaidh, son of Breasal, chief of Ui-Eathach [Iveagh], sent a tooth of them to Beannchair, where

    Cee

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 81

46. Cucogry O'Clery's will written at Curr-na-heillte near Burrishoole

    Burrishoole · parish · Mayo · 1664

    Cucogry O'Clery wrote his autograph will in Irish at Curr-na-heillte, near Burrishoole, county Mayo, bequeathing his precious books to his two sons Dermot and John shortly before his death in 1664.

    Read the passage

    Cucogry or Peregrine O’Clery, the other annalist, was the head of the Tirconnell sept of the O’Clerys. He wrote in Irish a life of the celebrated Hugh Roe O’Donnell, who died in Spain in 1602, which was transcribed, in many instances verbatim, into the Annals of the Four Masters. It appears from an Inquisition taken at Lifford on the 25th of May, 1682, that this Cucogry held the half quarter of the lands of Coobeg and Doughill, in the proportion of Monargane, in the barony of Boylagh and Banagh, in the county of Donegal, from Hollandtide, 1631, until May, 1632, for which he paid cight pounds sterling per annum to William Farrell, Esq., assignee to the Earl of Annandale; but, as the Inquisition states, ‘being a meere Irishman, and not of English or British descent or sirname,” he was dispossessed, and the lands became forfeited to the King. Shortly after this period he removed, with many other families of Tirconnell, to Ballycroy, in the south of the barony of Erris, in the county of Mayo, under the guidance of Rory or Roger O’Donnell, the son of Colonel Manus O’Donnell, who was slain at Benburb in 1646, and who was a son of the celebrated Niall Garv O’Donnell, who died in the Tower of London in the year 1626. He carried with him his books, which were his chief treasure, and which he bequeathed to his two sons, Dermot and John, as we learn from his autograph will, which was written in Irish, at Curr-na-heillte, near Burrishoole, in the county of Mayo, and which is still extant, in rather bad preservation, in his genealogical manuscript, now in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy. In this will, which was made shortly before his death, in 1664, he says :

    “T bequeath the property most dear to me that ever I possessed in this world, namely, my books, to my two sons, Dermot and John. Let them copy from them, without injuring them, whatever may be necessary for their purpose,

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through the parish of Burrishoole, you are near where Cucogry O'Clery wrote his last testament in 1664. He was the head of the Tirconnell sept of the O'Clerys and had written an Irish life of Hugh Roe O'Donnell, who died in Spain in 1602, a work transcribed in many instances verbatim into the Annals of the Four Masters. An inquisition at Lifford in 1682 shows he held the half quarter of Coobeg and Doughill in Donegal from 1631 to 1632, paying 8 pounds a year, but as one who was "a meere Irishman, and not of English or British descent or sirname," he was dispossessed. He then removed to Ballycroy in Mayo with other families under Rory O'Donnell, son of Colonel Manus O'Donnell slain at Benburb in 1646, who was son of Niall Garv O'Donnell, who died in the Tower of London in 1626. He carried his books, his chief treasure, to Curr-na-heillte near Burrishoole and bequeathed them to his two sons, Dermot and John. The will, still extant in poor preservation in his genealogical manuscript at the Royal Irish Academy, says: "I bequeath the property most dear to me that ever I possessed in this world, namely, my books, to my two sons, Dermot and John. Let them copy from them, without injuring them, whatever may be necessary for their purpose."

47. Elegy composed at Clonmacnoise for Fearghal O'Ruairc

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1023

    A curious elegy on the death of Fearghal O'Ruairc, composed by Urard Mac Coise, was written with the ollav prostrate on the grave-stone of his patron at Clonmacnoise, lamenting the prince's loss in a pathetic strain.

    Read the passage

    There is extant a curious elegy on the death of Fearghal O’Ruairc, written by.Urard Mac Coise; but it would appear from a reference it makes to the fall of Brian in the battle of Clontarf, that it was composed by the poet of that name who died in 1023. It consists of twenty-two quatrains of Dan Direach poetry. The ollav, prostrate on the grave-stone of his patron at Clonmacnoise, bewails his loss in a very pathetic strain, and utters the praises of the departed prince with all the warmth of grief. There is a good copy of it made in 1713 by Maurice Newby, in a small quarto paper manuscript, No. 146 of O’Reilly’s Sale Cata-

    if i| | Bi) i

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 119

48. Fortress built at Duibhlinn used to plunder Leinster

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 840

    The foreigners erected a fortress at Duibhlinn, from which they plundered Leinster and the Ui-Neill territories and churches as far as Sliabh-Bladhma. The site of this fort later became occupied by Dublin Castle.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 840. The ninth year of Niall: Maeldithraibh, anchorite and wise man of Tir-da-ghlas, died. A fortress [was erected] by the foreigners at Linn-Duachaill, out of which the territories and churches of Teathbha were plundered and preyed. Another fortress [was erected] by them at Duibhlinn‘’, out of which they plundered Leinster and the Ui-Neill, both territories and churches, as far as Sliabh-Bladhma*. An army was led by Feidhlimidh to Carman’. An army was led by Niall to Magh-ochtair’, to meet him.

    The crozier* of the devout Feidhlimidh was left in the shrubbery, Which Niall by force bore away from them, by right of the battle of swords.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this city holds a history reaching back to 840, when foreigners erected a fortress at Duibhlinn. From that stronghold they plundered Leinster and the Ui-Neill, both territories and churches, as far as Sliabh-Bladhma. The site of that fort later became occupied by Dublin Castle.

49. Massacre of the maidens at Cloenfearta, Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    Dunlang, son of Enna Niadh, King of Leinster, destroyed the sunny bower at Cloenfearta near Tara, killing thirty maidens and a hundred handmaidens with each. In revenge, Cormac put twelve Leinster kings to death and imposed the Boramha tribute with increase.

    Read the passage

    Opsain na hingfmpange, 1pin Claomp(pca bn cCfmpaig, la Ounlang, mac Ema Niad, pf Larsfh. Tmocha mgingn a Vion, 7 cév ingfn la sach ningm ofob. Oa nig vécc v0 Largmb por bs Conbmac an salarb aompip, 1 noioganl na hoipsne hipm, amaill) pe popnadm na bopama co na copmach ian cCuachal.

    Coip Cmort, 0a chéd 7 clcpachac a hochc. A 06 pichfe vo Chonbmac. Cach i Pochaino Muiptemne pia cConbmac an bliadamy.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 34

50. Battle of Ath-cliath between Breifne forces and Milo Cogan's knights

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1171

    Tighearnan Ua Ruairc led the men of Breifne and Airghialla to Ath-cliath a second time, where they were defeated by Milo Cogan and his knights; Aedh son of Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, Tanist of Breifne, was among those slain.

    Read the passage

    and the men of Breifne and Airghialla, a second time, to Ath-cliath ; and they made battle with Milo Cogan and his knights, in which the men of Breifne and the Airghialla were defeated ; and Aedh, son of Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, Tanist of Breifne, and the grandson of Diarmaid Ua Cuinn, and many others along with them, were slain. A predatory incursion was made by the Sil-Muireadhaigh into Thomond, and they plundered Sirtheachan Ua Litiudha, and slew himself in a battle. A predatory incursion was made by the Sil-Anmchadha and Muintir-Chinaetha into Ele, and they carried off many cows. A predatory incursion was made by the son of the Earl, and he plundered the churches of Magh- Laighean, and many of the Ui-Faelain. A predatory incursion was made by the people of West Connaught and some of the Sil-Muireadhaigh, and they plundered the west of Corcumdhruadh, and carried off countless cows. A predatory incursion was made by the people of the son of the Earl, in which he plundered Cluain-Conaire, Galam [read Gailinne], and Lathrach-Briuin. The daughter of Ua hEochadha, and wife of Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, died. The fleet of Connaught, from Allhallowtide to May-day, upon the Sinainn and Loch Deirgdheirc. A peace was made by Domhnall Breaghach with Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, and the people of East Meath came into his house. The King of England’, the second Henry, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, Earl of Andegavia, and lord of many other countries, came to Ireland this year. ‘Two hundred and forty was the number of his ships, and he put in at Port-Lairge.

    brother Hughe’s wife before ; having ravished his brother Eocha his wife before, after abusing bells, bachalls, clerks, and churches. Dunleve raigned after him. Anne, daughter to Dunleve, Queen of Argiall, died. Slaughter committed uppon Tiernan O’Roirk, men of Meath, men of Fernmoy, by Myles Gogan, and his” [knights], “where fell a great many about Hugh O’Roirk, king of Maghary-Galeng, and that should be king of O’Briuins and Conmacne. There were there killed some of the best of Fernmoy, .i. Moylmoghta Mac Confevla, and Conor, his brother: the two chiefs of Kindred Feriagh. Tenny

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Dublin, this is the city the annals call Ath-cliath. In 1171, Tighearnan Ua Ruairc led the men of Breifne and Airghialla here a second time, and they made battle with Milo Cogan and his knights. The men of Breifne and Airghialla were defeated. Aedh, son of Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, the Tanist of Breifne, was slain, and the grandson of Diarmaid Ua Cuinn, and many others along with them. The annals also record a slaughter committed upon Tiernan O'Roirk, the men of Meath, and the men of Fernmoy, by Myles Gogan and his knights. A great many fell about Hugh O'Roirk, king of Maghary-Galeng, who should be king of O'Briuins and Conmacne. There were killed some of the best of Fernmoy, Moylmoghta Mac Confevla and Conor his brother, the two chiefs of Kindred Feriagh. That same year saw widespread raiding. The Sil-Muireadhaigh made a predatory incursion into Thomond, plundering Sirtheachan Ua Litiudha and slaying him in battle. The Sil-Anmchadha and Muintir-Chinaetha raided Ele and carried off many cows. The son of the Earl plundered the churches of Magh-Laighean and many of the Ui-Faelain. The people of West Connaught and some of the Sil-Muireadhaigh plundered the west of Corcumdhruadh and carried off countless cows. A peace was made by Domhnall Breaghach with Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, and the people of East Meath came into his house. The King of England, the second Henry, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, Earl of Andegavia, and lord of many other countries, came to Ireland this year. Two hundred and forty was the number of his ships, and he put in at Port-Lairge.

51. Battle of Ath-na-croise in Corann

    Corran · barony · Sligo · 1024

    A battle was fought at Ath-na-croise in Corann between Ua Maeldoraidh and Ua Ruairc, in which Ua Ruairc was defeated and 2000 of his people slain along with Ruaire, grandson of Diarmaid, Tanist of Breifne.

    Read the passage

    In the battle of Ath-na-croise, men looked without pity, Corann was filled with carcasses ; the Conalls had its glory.

    Another battle was fought between them, in which the men of Breifne were defeated, and the son of Tighearnan slain. An army was led by the son of Kochaidh against the foreigners, so that he burned [their territory], and carried away the hostages of the Irish from them. An army was led by the Osraighi and the Leinstermen to Tulcainne*; and they obtained jewels and hostages from the foreigners. The victory of Erglann’, by Gearrgaela, over the foreigners. Domhnall, son of Aedh, royal heir of Aileach, was slain by Gillamura, son of Ogan. Maelduin Ua Conchaille, lord of Ui-Niallan, was slain by the Ui-Doctain. Maelmuaidh Ua Ciarrdha, lord of Cairbre, died. A slaughter was made of the men of Munster by Donnchadh, son of Aedh, in Gleann-Uisean, through the miracles of God and Comhdan.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 128

52. Battle of Ceann-fuait fought near Confey

    Confey · townland · Kildare · 915

    Sitric, grandson of Imhar, took up position at Ceann-fuait in eastern Leinster, where a great battle was later fought between the foreigners and the Leinstermen. Six hundred were slain, including the King of Leinster and many nobles.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 915. The first year of Niall Glundubh, son of Aedh Finnliath, over Ireland in sovereignty. Maelgiric, Abbot of Cill-achaidh, died. The fair of Tailltin was renewed by Niall. Sitric, grandson of Imhar, with his fleet, took up at Ceann-fuait®, in the east of Leinster. Raghnall, grandson of Imhar, with another fleet, went to the foreigners of Loch Dachaech. A slaughter was made of the foreigners by the Munstermen. Another slaughter was made of the foreigners by the Eoghanachta, and by the Ciarraighi. The army of the Ui-Neill of the South and North was led by Niall, son of Aedh, King of Ireland, to the men of Munster, to wage war with the foreigners. He pitched his camp at Tobar-Glethrach’, in Magh-Feimhin, on the 22nd of August. The foreigners went into the territory on the same day. The Irish attacked them the third hour before mid-day, so that one thousand one hundred men were slain between them ; but more of the foreigners fell, and they were defeated. There fell here in the heat of the conflict the chief of Carraig-Brachaidhe, and Maelfinnen, son of Donnagan, chief of Ui-Cearnaigh ; Fearghal, son of Muirigen, chief of Ui-Creamhthainn ; and others besides them. Reinforcements set out from the fortress of the foreigners to relieve their people. The Irish returned back to their camp before [the arrival of] the last host, i.e. before [the arrival of'] Raghnall, king of the black foreigners, who had an army of foreigners with hin. Niall set out with a small force against the foreigners, so that God prevented their slaughter through him. Niall after this remained twenty nights encamped against the foreigners. He requested of the Leinstermen to remain in siege against the foreigners. [This they did, and continued the siege] until Sitric, the grandson of Imhar, and the foreigners, gave the battle of Ceannfuait to the Leinstermen, wherein six hundred were slain about the lords of Leinster, toge-

    est. Ardmach burnt wholly, on the 5th Kal. of May, viz., on the south side, together with the Savall hall other abbots reliques” [recté, with the Toi, the Sabhall, the Kitchen, and all the . fort of the abbots]. ‘Coblaith, daughter to

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 104

53. Battle of Cuil-an-tuaisceirt near Coleraine

    near Coleraine · town · Derry · 1171

    Maghnus Mac Duinnsleibhe Ua hEochadha led the Ulidians on a great predatory raid into Cuil-an-tuaisceirt, plundering Cuil-rathain (Coleraine) and other churches, before being overtaken and defeated by Conchobhar Ua Cathain's small force, losing twenty-one chieftains.

    Read the passage

    burned by Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, with its full of people in it. Diarmaid Mac Murchadha, King of Leinster, by whom a trembling sod was made of all Ireland, —after having brought over the Saxons, after having done extensive injuries to the Irish, after plundering and burning many churches, as Ceanannus, Cluain- Traird, &c.,—died before the end of a year [after this plundering], of an insufferable and unknown disease"; for he became putrid while living, through the miracle of God, Colum-Cille, and Finnen, and the other saints of Ireland, whose churches he had profaned and burned some time before; and he died at Fearnamor, without [making] a will, without penance, without the body of Christ, without unction, as his evil deeds deserved. Maelcron Mac Gillaseachnaill, lord of South Breagha, died. Tailltin, daughter of Conchobhar Ua Maeleachlainn, and wife of Imhar Ua Cathasaigh, lord of Saithne, died. Domhnall, grandson of Ruaidhri Ua Maelmhuaidh, lord of Feara-Ceall, was slain by Muintir- Muineacha. Domhnall Ua Fogarta, lord of South Eile, was slain by Domhnall, son of Donnchadh [Mac Gillaphadraig] of Osraighe ; and he made a slaughter of the people of the two Eiles, where he slew three hundred persons. A, plundering fleet was brought by the Ulidians into Tir-Eoghain, in which they carried off a couritless number of cows. A predatory incursion was made by Niall, son of Mac Lochlainn, and the Cinel-Eoghain, into Ulidia, and numbers were slain by them ; and they carried off countless cows. The hostages of the Airghialla were afterwards taken by Niall Ua Lochlainn. A great predatory force was led by Maghnus Mac Duinnsleibhe Ua hEochadha and the Ulidians into Cuilan-tuais-ceirt”; and they plundered Cuil-rathain [Coleraine] and other churches. A small party of the Cinel-Eoghain, under Conchobhair Ua Cathain, overtook them ; and a battle was fought between them, in which the Ulidians were defeated, with the loss of one-and-twenty chieftains and sons of chieftains, with many others [of the commonalty]; and Maghnus himself was wounded, but he escaped from the conflict on that occasion. He was afterwards killed by his own brother, Donnsleibhe, and Gilla-Aenghusa, son of Mac Gillaepscoip, ruler

    contra ipsum, et ipse contrarius omni.” The cuil, i. e. the corner or angle of that terri-

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 152

54. Battle of Magh-Seirigh at Kells, death of Aedh Allan

    Kells · town · Meath · 738

    Aedh Allan, son of Maelduin, monarch of Ireland, fell in the battle of Magh-Seirigh near Ceanannus (Kells) in 738, slain by Domhnall son of Murchadh after nine years as king of Ireland; several other lords also died in the battle.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 738. Affiath, Abbot of Magh-bile [Movilla], died. Affrica, Abbess of Cill-dara [Kildare], died. Cuimmen Ua Ciarain, Abbot of Rechrainn, died. Aedh Allan, son of Maelduin, fell in the battle of Magh- Seirigh” (i. e. Ceanannus), between the two Teabhthas, by Domhnall, son of Murchadh, after having been nine years in the sovereignty of Ireland. The last quatrain of Aedh Allan :

    If my beloved God would look upon me on the brink of Loch Sailchedain’, Afterwards if I should be found at guilt, it would be wealth to a servant to save me.

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, you are near the field of Magh-Seirigh, where in 738 Aedh Allan, son of Maelduin, fell in battle. He had been nine years sovereign of Ireland when Domhnall, son of Murchadh, overcame him. The annals note only that several lords died beside him. Aedh Allan left behind a quatrain. He wrote: if my beloved God would look upon me on the brink of Loch Sailchedain, afterwards if I should be found at guilt, it would be wealth to a servant to save me.

55. Battle of Tara: Maelseachlainn defeats the Danes

    Tara · parish · Meath · 980

    Maelseachlainn, King of Ireland, challenged the Danes to battle at Tara (Teamhair) and utterly defeated them, killing Randulph mac Awley and Conawill mac Gillearrie among many other Danes.

    Read the passage

    “A. D. 974” [recte, 980]. “ Moyleseaghlyn mac Donell tooke upon him the kingdome, and reigned 23 years. The first act he did was that he challenged the Danes to battle, and gave them the battle of Taragh, where the Danes were quite overthrown, and Randulph mac Awley and Conawill mac Gillearrie, with many other Danes, were therein slain. After which overthrow King Moyleseaghlyn prepared” [recté, collected] “‘ together a great army, accompanied

    Cn cnearp bliadain vo Maoil-

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 118

56. Cormac wounded and blinded, revenge on the Deisi

    Tara · parish · Meath · 265

    Ceallach, son of Cormac, and Cormac's lawgiver were mortally wounded, and Cormac's own eye was destroyed by a lance thrust from Aenghus Gaibhuaibhtheach at Tara, leading to seven battles of revenge against the Deisi.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 265. The thirty-ninth year of Cormac. Ceallach, son of Cormac, and Cormac’s lawgiver, were mortally wounded, and the eye of Cormac himself was destroyed with one thrust [of a lance] by Aenghus Gaibhuaibhtheach™, son of Fiacha Suighdhe, son of Feidhlimidh the Lawseiver. Cormac afterwards [fought and] gained seven battles over the Deisi, in revenge of that deed, and he expelled them from their territory, so that they are [now] in Munster’.

    The Age of Christ, 266. Forty years was Cormac, son of Art, son of Conn, in the sovereignty of Ireland, when he died at Cleiteach’, the bone of a

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 35

57. Diarmaid's Devotion at Cluain-mic-Nois before Battle

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 648–649

    On his way to the battle of Carn Conaill, Diarmaid passed through Cluain-mic-Nois where the congregation of St. Ciaran prayed for his safe return, and he later ordered his burial there in gratitude.

    Read the passage

    The battle of Carn Conaill* [was gained] by Diarmaid, son of Aedh Slaine, against Guaire, wherein were slain the two Cuans, namely, Cuan, son of Enda, King of Munster, and Cuan, son of Conall, chief of Ui-Fidhgeinte*; and Tolamhnach, chief of Ui-Liathain’; and Guaire was routed from the battle field. Diarmaid, on his way to this battle, went first through Cluain-mic-Nois. The congregation of St. Ciaran made supplication to God that he might return sate, through the merits of their guarantee. After the king’s return, he granted Tuaim nEire* (i.e. Liath-Manchain), with its sub-divisions of land, as altar-sod’,

    noise under 642, as follows :

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 71

58. Golden tooth kept on altar at Bangor

    near Bangor · town · Down · 739

    Fiachna, son of Aedh Roin, King of Ulidia, and Eochaidh, chief of Ui-Eathach, sent one of the golden whale teeth to the church at Beannchair (Bangor), where it remained for a long time on the altar to be seen by all.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 739. The first year of Domhnall, son of Murchadh’, son of Diarmaid, over Ireland ; [he was the first king of the Clann-Colmain’]. Colman, Bishop of Laessan‘, died. Laidhgnen, son of Doineannach, Abbot of Saighir, [died]. Fergus, son of Colman Cutlach, a celebrated philosopher, died. Reachtabhrat, son of Fearghal, one of the Connaughtmen, died. The battle of Ailiun-da-bernach’, in which were slain Dubhdados, son of Murghal, [and] the two grandsons of Ceallach Cualann, [namely], Cathal and Oilioll. The sea cast ashore a whale in Boirche’, in the province of Ulster. Every one in the neighbourhood went to see it for its wondrousness. When it was slaughtered, three golden teeth were found in its head, each of which teeth contained fifty sunces. Fiachna, son of Aedh Roin, King of Ulidia, and Eochaidh, son of Breasal, chief of Ui-Eathach [Iveagh], sent a tooth of them to Beannchair, where

    Cee

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 81

59. Hanging of Gillacomhgain at Cluain-Bhriain for the theft of jewels

    Cloonbrien · townland · Limerick · 1130

    Gillacomhgain, who stole the jewels of Clonmacnoise, was hanged at the fort of Cluain-Bhriain (Cloonbrien) by the King of Munster after being delivered up by Conchobhar Ua Briain. He confessed that St Ciaran had prevented his escape by sea at every port.

    Read the passage

    The Age of Christ, 1130. Sord-Choluim-Chille, with its churches and relics, was burned. Lochlainn Ua Maelruanaidh, royal heir of Ulidia, was killed. Cuaifne* Ua Conchobhair, lord of Ui-Failghe, died. Gillacualann, grandson of Dunghaile, lord of Ui-Briuin-Cualann, was killed by his brethren. Diarmaid Ua Follamhain’, chief of Clann-Uadach ; and Goll-Cluana, 1. e. Gillaphadraig Ua hAireachtaigh, ollamh of West Meath in poetry, died. The jewels of Cluainmic-Nois® were revealed against the foreigners of Luimneach, they having been stolen by Gillacomhgain. Gillacomhgain himself was hanged at the fort of Cluain- Bhriain’, by the King of Munster, he having been delivered up by Conchobhar Ua Briain. This Gillacomhgain sought Corcach, Lis-mor, and Port-Lairge, to proceed over sea; but no ship into which he entered found a wind to sail, while all the other ships did [get favourable wind]. This was no wonder, indeed, for Ciaran used to stop every ship in which he attempted to escape; and he said in his confessions at his death, that he used to see Ciaran, with his crozier, stopping every ship into which he went. The name of God and Ciaran was magnified by this. An army was led by Ua Lochlainn into Ulidia. The Ulidians assembled to give them battle. When they approached each other, a fierce battle was fought between them. The Ulidians were finally defeated and slaughtered, together with Aedh Ua Loingsigh, lord of Dal-Araidhe ; Gillaphadraig Mac Searraigh, lord of Dal-Buinne*; Dubhrailbhe Mac Artain ; and

    4 Dal-Buinne: i.e. the race of Buinne, son of Fergus Mac Roich, King of Ulster. This was the name of a deanery in Colgan’s time. It embraced a tract of country lying on either side

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 144

60. King of Ulidia killed in violation of sanctuary at Dún Lethglaise

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1006

    Madadhan, son of Domhnall, King of Ulidia, was killed by the Tore, i.e. Dubhtuinne, in the middle of Dun-Leathghlaise, an act described as breaking the guarantees of the saints of Ireland. This killing took place at what is now Downpatrick.

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    to their territory, and the foreigners" by sea round eastwards [southwards ?] to their fortress. The Munstermen also and the Osraighi went through Meath westwards' to their countries. The Ulidians rendered hostages on this occasion ; but they [Brian Borumha and his party] did not obtain the hostages of the races of Conall and Eoghan. Mael-na-mbo, lord of Ui-Ceinnsealaigh, was killed by his own tribe. Maelruanaidh, son of Ardghar, King of Ulidia, was slain by Madadhan, son of Domhnall, after being one-half year in the government of the province. Madadhan, son of Domhnall, King of Ulidia, was killed by the Tore, i.e. Dubhtuinne, in the middle of Dun-Leathghlaise, in violation of the guarantees of the saints of Ireland. Dubhtuinne, i.e. the Tore, King of Ulidia, was slain, through the miracles of God and Patrick, by Muireadhach, son of Madadhan, in revenge of his father. Muiregen Bocht, of Both-Domhnaigh, successor of Patrick, died ; seventy years his age.

    The Age of Christ, 1006. The fifth year of Brian. Ceannfaeladh, airchinneach of Druim-mor-Mocholmog ; Caicher, son of Maenach,.A bbot of Mungairid; and Ceallach Ua Meanngorain, airchinneach of Corcach, died. Fiachra Ua Focarta, priest of Cluain-fearta-Brenainn, died. Of him was said :

    Internet Archive annalarioghachta01ocleuoft, Chapter 122