Name: Caithreim Cellachain Caisil : the victorious career of Cellachan of Cashel, or, The Wars between the Irishmen and the Norsemen in the middle of the 10th century
Author: Norske historiske kildeskriftfond

Munster forces divide to besiege Ard Macha from four sides

Ard Macha · street · Dublin

The Munster forces, arriving south of Ard Macha, were organised by Donnchadh into four battalions attacking the town from different sides: Dál gCais and allies from the west, the Uí Chonaill and Uí Liatháin from the north, the Déisi from the south, and the Eoghanacht septs from the east.

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54. IMthus fer Munv?// rancat^r do// taebh thcs d'^rd M<?:^//a. IS an// siw adubairt Do//chrtflf// riu a treal«/«// catha do gabhail 7 in//saighit ceat/ira catha again// an dun^a:^'. tecat Dail gCais 7 Gaih/zga 7 Dealbhna 7 Luighne don taeibh anid-r d'Ard Mac/ia. Tea.ca^ i Co7i\i\\l 7 hi Cat'rhre 7 ua m^vb CailH 7 ua Liathai// a tuaid isin mbaili. Teacat na Deisi do// taeibh anes. Ticeabhsa 7 na hKoga?iac/i^sa. .i. Eogan^zf/// Chaisil 7 Y^oganacht Aine 7 Yoganachi Gle//- na///n;?c// 7 'Eogahacht Chach 7 Y-oganacht Durluis 7 Eoganacht Locha Lein 7 Yoganacht Raithlin// don taebh anoir [153 a., c. 2] anadh cath Me^tjcrmdhi 7 na n-Uaithne 7 Fher Muighi 7 ua Cuan^c na g-comhn^/'«'i uair ni gnath cath gan chostadh 7 ni f^^am^rni nach bhudh mhaid/// (sic) oruin?2 no ar dreim dar mumU'r. 7 dam^^ edh gu vc\-heith eoXus acu in tsHgi a ticf^/tij. Do xons,ai ?ixnh\atd 7do in;/saigedar in baile mar do tecoisc T>onnc\\did/i doib.
55. Scela Dhan^r a-n-dunaid do thinoWetar a n-einin^:^. 7 do again Lagman?2 na laeic 7 is^^ adubatrt Ni fhuilmit lin freastail doibh siut onac d'aentaiah thecait 7 iz/dsaight^r cath dibh again?/ 7 feraw cath riu 7 mad maid/// c?/' d/'eim dhibh as doigh gum ba^) hedh orrtha uili 7 ro cin;/edh in comatrlis'in leo 7 ro choraighset cathbhuaiU crithvec// chomhartach 7 ro in//saighset in cath ba nesa dhoibh .i. cath na n-Deisi 7 ro feradh duirgleo duil/^ eturra. gur mudhaighid mihd leo 7 gu fadhbhadh feim'dleo 7 gur cirr<?^ cnis. Ac/ii cena ad/'<?chrad<2/' maithi na lLoch.\ajtnac/i 7 ro sraemed/i gu cruaidh in cathlath«/> ar laechratd 'Loclainn tre lar Arda Macka bud thuaid gu t^Ha cath o Cairhre doibh ac cr^madh a mhratac/i 7 a mtrgedh a tuaidh 'na n-a.gaid gur himpadh siar na hochlannazg na lanmaid;//.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 16

Munster hosts assemble at Magh Adhar and Bel Atha Laighin

near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

The Munster forces settled to muster at Magh Adhar for those on land and at Bel Atha Laighin for those on sea a fortnight from the day of decision, and duly arrived as promised with four battalions.

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48. Then they deliberated in council how to begin that hosting, and they settled to be a fortnight from that day at Magh Adhar, those of them who were on land, and those of them who were on sea to be at Bel Atha Laighin. Well, the day they had promised that their hosts should be at these places, they were there, as they had promised. This was the number that came to Magh Adhar, namely four battallions of equal size. And Cennedig, son of Lorcan, and the Dalcassian nobles also arrived there, and Cennedig entertained them that night.
49. When they arose the next morning, Cennedig said that he would go with them. Donnchad .said that they would not let him go wdth them under any conditions. »For it is in search of your king and for his defence that we go, and we will not take you with us, but

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 43

Sitric's wife declares her love for Ceallachán at Portlairge

Waterford · city · Waterford

The daughter of Aedh, wife of Sitriuc mac Turgeis, recounts in verse how she first saw and fell in love with Ceallachán at Portlairge (Waterford), praising his bravery in battle and his standing among the Munstermen.

Read the passage

Do radas gr^dh dod^) ghnuis de[i]rg. a bhPortlairge ar an laochleirg dot chrodhacht^) tres na cathaibh. dod "') mheid idt-r Miiimhneachaibh.
Ma theid tusa soir*) ar iedichf a Airdrigh da ttugas se^rc do gheabh^r lot ociis lean, nocha lin/ze nach drochsgeal.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 9

Brian Boru's plundering and burning of Dublin after Glenmama

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1000

After the battle of Glenmama in AD 1000, King Brian Borumha plundered and burned the Castle of Dublin, an episode drawn from the War of the Gaedhil and echoed in a Book of Lismore version of this saga in which Cellachán also burns Dublin.

Read the passage

§ 88. ar deredh in sceoil^ »at the end of the story «, i. e. which finishes our story. The author, in other words, says that the poem printed in § 8g finishes the Saga. The following paragraphs must consequently be later additions. This conclusion is also forced upon us by other considerations. The version in the Book of Lismore states that Cellachan and his men went to Dublin, carried off its riches, and burned the town. This story is no doubt taken from the War of the Gaedhil (ch. LXVIII— LXIX), where it is told that king Brian Borumha after the battle of Glenmama (A. D. 1000) plundered and burned the Castle of Dubhn. The Lis- 11
1 62 CAITHREIM CEALLACHAIN CAISIL.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 82

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through ground that saw Brian Boru's vengeance in the year 1000. After defeating the Norse at the battle of Glenmama, he plundered and burned the Castle of Dublin. The tale comes from the War of the Gaedhil. A later version in the Book of Lismore gives the same act to Cellachán of Cashel, who also carried off the town's riches and put it to the torch.

Ceallachán held captive at Dún Dealgan

Dundalk · town · Louth

Word reached the Lochlannaigh at Ard Mhacha that Ceallachán was being taken to Dún Dealgan; on hearing this, the sons of Tuirghéis abandoned that fortress, though the Lochlannaigh Lulach, Amhlaibh, Tomar's son and others held their own stronghold there with seven hundred men.

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roiwo bhutiKiid 7 do chuir tcchta g-o iiArd Mac/m da in/zisi dona \.ochy///ic-//(j/d a m-bcith sen cuca 7 da radh re cloi//// Tuirgheis. CcaUac/ian do bmth co T)un n-Dcalgan O atcualat<rr cla//// T//rgheis sin ro fhacuibhset a;/ baili 7 in nonbttr iar/rz do bhi malle re CeaWac/ian oca gabliail a-n-Ath CXiaf/i 7 do ansat 'Lochlannaig in baile fei// an// .i. Lulach 7 Amhlaibh 7 hagma-nn 7 Turcaill 7 Gilla Cirtrain m^c Henruc (sic) ^) in tse^^righ 7 Oitir dubh Otv/.r ba he a-lli// VI 1. C 7 cath egatr.
54. IMthus fer Munv?// rancat^r do// taebh thcs d'^rd M<?:^//a. IS an// siw adubairt Do//chrtflf// riu a treal«/«// catha do gabhail 7 in//saighit ceat/ira catha again// an dun^a:^'. tecat Dail gCais 7 Gaih/zga 7 Dealbhna 7 Luighne don taeibh anid-r d'Ard Mac/ia. Tea.ca^ i Co7i\i\\l 7 hi Cat'rhre 7 ua m^vb CailH 7 ua Liathai// a tuaid isin mbaili. Teacat na Deisi do// taeibh anes. Ticeabhsa 7 na hKoga?iac/i^sa. .i. Eogan^zf/// Chaisil 7 Y^oganacht Aine 7 Yoganachi Gle//- na///n;?c// 7 'Eogahacht Chach 7 Y-oganacht Durluis 7 Eoganacht Locha Lein 7 Yoganacht Raithlin// don taebh anoir [153 a., c. 2] anadh cath Me^tjcrmdhi 7 na n-Uaithne 7 Fher Muighi 7 ua Cuan^c na g-comhn^/'«'i uair ni gnath cath gan chostadh 7 ni f^^am^rni nach bhudh mhaid/// (sic) oruin?2 no ar dreim dar mumU'r. 7 dam^^ edh gu vc\-heith eoXus acu in tsHgi a ticf^/tij. Do xons,ai ?ixnh\atd 7do in;/saigedar in baile mar do tecoisc T>onnc\\did/i doib.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 16

Cellachan's death at Cashel

Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 954

Cellachan of Cashel, king of Munster, is recorded as having died at Cashel around the year 954, according to a paper manuscript version of the saga which gives the year as 912 (Anno Domini) though the editor argues for 954.

Read the passage

A third Manuscript made use of for the present work is a paper MS. in the British Museum (Egerton 106), a quarto of 169 foHos, partly written in the years 17 15, 17 16, by Richard Tipper and John Mac vSolly, partly written about the same time by, I believe, WiUiam Lynch ; a fourth portion was written by the late Edward O' Reilly (O' Curry, Catalogue of Irish MSS. in the British Museum, p. 182). This MS. contains (pp. 51 — 83) a tale called Cathiigadh Cheallachdin Chaisiol re LocJilaiinoibli. Anno domini 899. O' Curry and D' Arbois de Jubainville (p. 841) are not right in giving this tale the heading Cathreiiu Ceallachdin Caisil (»The Triumphs of Callaghan of Cashel«). This MS. is imperfect at the beginninar. The first words correspond to § 7 of the text in the Book, of Lismore: IS ANN sin do eirghedar na secht ttuatha deg Chaisiol go covilntrlamh tcm Ceallachan mac Buaghachdin. Most of the poems are also found in entire in this copy. — The tale continues from p. 68 under the title: Toriiigheacht na ttaoiseach for Cheallachain Chaisiol mheic Buaghachain sios iona. This version relates how Cellachan of Cashel after his delivery plundered the lands of the king of Cenel Conaill of Tara, and continues: Rangadar as sin go Cdisiol Mumhan y do ronadh na crioch go cubhoigh ider na liuaislibh 7 ro caithsed an ai^nsir go stiaimhnech osin anonn go bhfiiair Ceallachan Chaisil mac Buaghachdin bas ionniholta a cCaisiol; Anno Domini, dhd bhliaghain deag ar nabi cced; FINIS. (» After this they came to Cashel in Munster, and the territories were divided suitably among the nobles. And thenceforward they spent the time peacefully and tranquilly, until Cellachan of Cashel, son of Buadachan, found a laudable death at Cashel. Anno Domini 912. The End.«)
I have printed the poems which are not found in the Book of Lismore from the paper copy in the Royal Irish

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 1

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Cashel in Munster, Cellachan met his end. The tale of his career survives in a paper manuscript held in the British Museum, numbered Egerton 106. It contains a story called the Battle of Cellachan of Cashel against the Foreigners. That manuscript dates his death to Anno Domini 912, though the editor of the saga argues the year should be read as 954. After his delivery, the manuscript relates, Cellachan plundered the lands of the king of Cenel Conaill of Tara. Then he and his followers came to Cashel in Munster, and the territories were divided suitably among the nobles. From that point on, they spent their time peacefully and tranquilly, until Cellachan of Cashel, son of Buadachan, found what the manuscript calls a laudable death at Cashel. The manuscript itself is imperfect at the beginning. Its first words correspond to a passage in the Book of Lismore, and most of the poems in the tale are found entire in that copy as well. O'Curry and D'Arbois de Jubainville gave the tale the heading The Triumphs of Callaghan of Cashel, but the editor notes this is not the correct title. The version in Egerton 106 carries the story through to its close under the heading The Journey of the Chieftains against Cellachan of Cashel, son of Buadachan. It ends with the words the source gives: Cellachan of Cashel, son of Buadachan, found a laudable death at Cashel.

Crossing the streams of the Sligech beneath Ben Gulban

Sligo · town · Sligo

The host crossed Esdara, the bridge of Alatra, and the ancient streams of the Sligech, passing beneath the windy cold Ben Gulban on their march north.

Read the passage

While they were there, they saw a host coming towards them. Ten hundreds was their number. And they were arranged in the following way. One man was right in front of them. They asked, who he was, and who were the host. »A host of Munstermen«, answered he, »but the Munstermen do not know that they belong to them, namely the Dealbhna, the Gailinga, and the Luighne, of the descendants of Tadg, son of Cian. And there are three valiant chiefs leading them, viz. Aed son of Dualascach, and the Gailinga around him, and the Luighne around Diarmuid son of Finnachta, and the Dealbna around Donnchadh son of Maeldomnaill. And this is their number, five hundred with armour and five hundred without armour. « They encamped besides the Dalcassians, and they stayed there that night happily and peacefully. They arose early the next morning, and crossed Esdara, and the bright little bridge of Alatra, and the ancient streams of the Sligech, their right hand towards the windy cold Ben Gulban. They crossed the Dubh and the Drobais, and crossed the verdant appleblossomed Magh Ene, and came to royal Ess Ruaid. They sent forag'ers eastwards across Ath Senadh, and collected the spoils of Crich Conaill from the east and brought them to their camp. Muirchertach son of Airnelach, the king of Cenel Conaill, pursued them and was demanding his spoils from them. Donnchadh replied that he would not restore them, before the host had been satisfied from them. »But we shall not take with us the least of our leavings; for it will not be a country without cattle to which we shall come. Muirchertach however returned northwards before them, and sent messengers to Armagh to tell the Norsemen that they were approaching towards them, and to tell the children of Turgeis to bring Cellachan to Dundalk. When the children of Turgeis heard this, they left the town with the nine earls who had been around Cellachan when he was taken prisoner at Ath Cliath. But the Norsemen of the town itselt remained there, namely Lulach, and Amlaibh, and Lagraann, and Turcaill, and Gilla Ciarain, son of Henruc the old king, and Oitir the Black. And their number was, 700 and an arranged battallion.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 44

As the companion tells it

As you come through Sligo, this is where a host of Munstermen once crossed the ancient streams of the Sligech beneath the windy cold Ben Gulban. They had encamped beside the Dalcassians the night before, happily and peacefully. Early the next morning they crossed Esdara and the bright little bridge of Alatra, and then the ancient streams of the Sligech, their right hand towards Ben Gulban. Before that night, a host of ten hundreds had come towards them, led by three chiefs. Aed son of Dualascach led the Gailinga, Diarmuid son of Finnachta led the Luighne, and Donnchadh son of Maeldomnaill led the Dealbhna. Five hundred wore armour and five hundred did not. These were of the descendants of Tadg, son of Cian. The Munstermen did not know they belonged to them. After crossing the Sligech, they went on across the Dubh and the Drobais, and through the verdant appleblossomed Magh Ene, and came to royal Ess Ruaid. They sent foragers east across Ath Senadh and collected the spoils of Crich Conaill. Muirchertach son of Airnelach, king of Cenel Conaill, pursued them, demanding his spoils. Donnchadh said he would not restore them before the host had been satisfied. "We shall not take with us the least of our leavings, for it will not be a country without cattle to which we shall come." Muirchertach returned northwards and sent messengers to Armagh to tell the Norsemen they were approaching, and to tell the children of Turgeis to bring Cellachan to Dundalk.

Donnchadh claims vanguard to avenge Cormac mac Cuilennain

Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow

Donnchadh mac Caeim asked to lead the front of the battle himself, declaring that Cormac mac Cuilennain's death at the hands of the Leinstermen forty-two and a half years earlier still went unavenged.

Read the passage

98. IS a.nn si7Z a-duhatrtDonnchad as ail damh athchui/^gid uaibh. a fhira 'M.uman .i. tosach in chatha so do leic^^damh fei;/ 7 da bhfuil do oiainn Kogam an;/so 7 gan Ceal\ac/ia?i do theacht isin cath. Tucad dosu/>^ sin Ocus adubazVt Ceallackan. O nach \ea.car mhisi isi/z cath diglatd gu maith Cormac mac Cuilli!?;z7?ain ar Laighnibh or ata da hliagam cu leith 7 da fhiceat gan dighailt 7 nir th^z'rcset «r so;/ cin« gacka. cleirigh dar marhad an;; ac/il enbo 7 aXhcrt \n laid.
Cuiridh re Laighnibh na leacht 7 rl.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 28

Feasting at Cashel and the demand for Osraige tribute

Cashel · townland · Tipperary

Cellachan and the leaders of Munster assembled at Cashel after expelling the Danair and black Norsemen from their cities and strongholds, feasting there in peace before sending envoys to demand the tribute and dues owed by the Osraige.

Read the passage

Cid tra o dho riacht Do//n Cuan da n-acallui/// do locadh in cath 7 do chuaidh Cea.\\ac/mn gu Caisiul 7 ro tbinoilset tir Mhuni^/// na comhdhail ar n dichur na n-Da.nar 7 na n-diicvhoch]a N nac// asa cathraclia/<^ 7 asa caemdui/ztibh. ISe rai//ic ar-tus an// i. Cein/zeid/^ mac Lorcai;/ gu ///aithib Dail-Cais 7 tucadh tanaisdeact Me^wan 7 a righi tareis Cea\\(2c//a//2. Do caithseat flegha Caisil cu soinmheach socair an//sin Ocus do cuiredar feasa uatha dh'iara/^[i5i a., c. 2] a cisa 7 a cana rt;r Osraidi .i. ar Do//nch«^ mac CeaWa/o-// Octis ba fada do bhi in cis soi/2 gan tabhuch o mhi]c(/aid Muma// i. aen-bliada/'w dec 7 Vll. XX. hh'aclain. \n cei/z do bhui an crich ag Danaruibh. Ni tucsat Osraidhi cis doibh 7 o nach tucsat ro c/'^'achsat so/w an crich Ocus ro br/setar llll. catha for Laignibh isin hXx^dain sin (^f/^i" isin c^///ramad cath do gabhudh Donncha^af vcvac Ceall<7/^// leo 7 Xucs>2X Osraidhi br<2gdi da eis. Ar certugflfl^na cn'ch do Ce^iWacham 7 ar n-dith a bhidhbudh as e eolus do in//saigh<r</rt/'na Lochlan//a/^// co hAth CUath 7 doniat com«/>U an?z 7 as iat ba ferr dibh an tan sin. Sitr/uc mac Tz^rgeis 7 a braitre i. Tor 7 ^la.^mis 7 T/^rgeis 7 in Lochl«////^c// ladhuch 7 in \.och\annaQ.h na Ian;/ 7 Sean-Amlaibh 7 Wwn-Turvcwxn na huidhi 7 Lin^^-T/^rmun na Pers 7 mac righ Findlochl*^/'//?/ 7 m^t righ Ywarlochla///?/ Ofz^j- as i comairli doronsao? techta do cur co Q^dWachain 7 Bebin?2 \ngin Turgeis do gheallaa^ dho 7 a radh ris dul co hAth QMath da tabairt 7 co leicfidis siu//z crich Mum«// gan imchosnu/// dho (9f//j- is aire doro//sat siw ar daigh (Z^dXiachain do ghabhail doibh 7 do mh^rbhudh ar c\\uatd leis C^t/^i- ro leicset in co///airh re righ Eir^//// a hucht na 'Lochlannach i. Donncha^ mac Floi//d ri Temr«^/z

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cashel, Cellachan came after the battle. The men of Munster assembled here after driving out the Danair and the black Norsemen from their cities and strongholds. Cellachan mac Lorcain was the first among them, with the nobles of Dal-Cais, and the kingship of Munster was given to him. They feasted at Cashel in peace and prosperity. Then they sent envoys to demand the tribute and dues owed by the Osraige. That tribute had gone unpaid by the men of Munster for 151 years. The territory of the Osraige was under the Danair. The Osraige did not pay tribute, and because they did not, the Danair ravaged their territory. Four battles were broken on the Laigin in that time. In the third battle, Donncha mac Cellachan was taken prisoner, and the Osraige sent envoys on his behalf. For the pacification of the territory to Cellachan and the destruction of his enemies, it was known that the Lochlannaigh had gone to Ath Cláith. They held a council. The best of them then were Sitric son of Turgeis, his brothers Tor, Iamuis and Turgeis, and the fierce Lochlannach and the weak Lochlannach, and Old Amlaibh and Young Turgeis of the Aidhi, and Lin-Turmun of the Pers, and the son of the king of Find-Lochlann and the son of the king of Iochdar-Lochlann. Their counsel was to send messengers to Cellachan, and Bebin daughter of Turgeis was promised to him. They would tell him to come to Ath Cláith and take it, and that they would leave the territory of Munster to him without opposition. They did this so that Cellachan might be captured and killed. They had set aside the counsel of the king of Ireland, Donncha mac Flainn, king of Tara, on behalf of the Lochlannaigh.

Mor's lament recalling the battle at Port Lairge

Waterford · city · Waterford

Mor, daughter of Aed and wife of Sitric, recalls falling in love with Cellachan on the battle-field of Port Lairge, praising his valour as he charged through the battalions.

Read the passage

I fell in love with your red face.
In Port Lairge on the oattle-field,

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 38

Munster army burns the town after the naval battle

Dundalk · town · Louth

After the fleets had gathered at one place, the Munstermen collected their own ships and the Lochlannachs' ships, burned them all, and also burned the town before debating which route home to take.

Read the passage

i)o. When their people had arrived at one place, they collected their own ships and the ships of the Lochlannachs, and burned them all, and they (also) burned the town. Some of them were saying that they ought to decide which way they would take, and some of them were asking where they should go to reach their own country. »The way right to the south«, said some of them. .Not so«, said Cellachan and Donnchadh son of Caem, »but let us proceed to Ath Qiath, where the sons, and women, and people of the Lochlannachs are, and the woman for the sake of whom Cellachan was captured and our men were slain, even Mor, the daughter of Aedh son of Echu<;. And he made the lay:
91- »Make a valiant resolution,

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 53

Norsemen ordered to bring Cellachan to Dundalk

Dundalk · town · Louth

Muirchertach sent messengers to Armagh warning the Norsemen of the approaching Munster host and instructing the children of Turgeis to move Cellachan to Dundalk for safety.

Read the passage

While they were there, they saw a host coming towards them. Ten hundreds was their number. And they were arranged in the following way. One man was right in front of them. They asked, who he was, and who were the host. »A host of Munstermen«, answered he, »but the Munstermen do not know that they belong to them, namely the Dealbhna, the Gailinga, and the Luighne, of the descendants of Tadg, son of Cian. And there are three valiant chiefs leading them, viz. Aed son of Dualascach, and the Gailinga around him, and the Luighne around Diarmuid son of Finnachta, and the Dealbna around Donnchadh son of Maeldomnaill. And this is their number, five hundred with armour and five hundred without armour. « They encamped besides the Dalcassians, and they stayed there that night happily and peacefully. They arose early the next morning, and crossed Esdara, and the bright little bridge of Alatra, and the ancient streams of the Sligech, their right hand towards the windy cold Ben Gulban. They crossed the Dubh and the Drobais, and crossed the verdant appleblossomed Magh Ene, and came to royal Ess Ruaid. They sent forag'ers eastwards across Ath Senadh, and collected the spoils of Crich Conaill from the east and brought them to their camp. Muirchertach son of Airnelach, the king of Cenel Conaill, pursued them and was demanding his spoils from them. Donnchadh replied that he would not restore them, before the host had been satisfied from them. »But we shall not take with us the least of our leavings; for it will not be a country without cattle to which we shall come. Muirchertach however returned northwards before them, and sent messengers to Armagh to tell the Norsemen that they were approaching towards them, and to tell the children of Turgeis to bring Cellachan to Dundalk. When the children of Turgeis heard this, they left the town with the nine earls who had been around Cellachan when he was taken prisoner at Ath Cliath. But the Norsemen of the town itselt remained there, namely Lulach, and Amlaibh, and Lagraann, and Turcaill, and Gilla Ciarain, son of Henruc the old king, and Oitir the Black. And their number was, 700 and an arranged battallion.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 44

Norse of Limerick Mock the Munster Demand

Limerick · city · Limerick

When the Munster envoys reached the warriors of Limerick, the Norse scoffed at the demand and declared that Munster alone could never win Limerick from them, boasting they would give battle instead.

Read the passage

O ro siachtadar na tec/iia. cu laechrad l.uimn?^ ro ghabsad ag fochuitbed 7 ised ro ?,hsi\\edar nac/i coisenta Mu///a na Lui/z/nijc// amhain fr/'u gu brach. O^z^j adubratar no bhertais in cat[h].
O atchualatar clafina. Kogam '>\n ro agaill in saershluag«r^ Suilk(^an iat 7 adub(?z'rt fnu calma 7 crz^aidirghal da de?iu?n [149 a., c. i] r'?' Locl«;z?zt//rtibh 7 a righ do rocoimh^t isin ruathar sin 7 adubairt re huaish^ na n-Eog,7;zacht. ^) Na cluinet clafin Cormazc cais co7//thaighi an bhar comhraidhtib 7 na cluinet clann Eachach an;//fai«ne an bar n-airecaibh 7 coiwiwnsaighidh in chaithirghal 7 tabhraidh

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 3

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is where Munster envoys once came to the Norse warriors of the city. The Norse scoffed at the demand. They declared that Munster alone could never win Limerick from them. They said they would give battle instead. This comes from the wars between the Irish and the Norsemen in the middle of the 10th century, recorded in the Caithreim Cellachain Caisil.

Plundering of Inis Cathaig by the Berserks

Scattery Island · townland · Clare

The two kings of Corcobaiscinn, Diarmaid and Baiscinn, claim the right to fight the Berserks (Lenn Turmun na Pers) because those Norsemen had earlier plundered Inis Cathaig, a raid they had not yet been able to avenge.

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64. ;> Another reason^, said Failbe, »is that we have given our word that there shall not be on sea or on land a place where we see them that we shall not reach to attack them. ; Which of you<, said Duinechad, »will engage the son of the king of Fair Lochlann?« »Let him be left to me<;, said Conchubar, king of Ciarraige Luachra, »for he has burned Ard Fothaig Brenaind. But I shall avenge that upon him to-day. < » Who will engage in battle with Lenn Turmun na Pers (i. e. of the Berserks) ?« said Duinechad. »Let him be left to me< , said Diarmaid and Baiscinn, the two kings of Corcobaiscinn. »For they have plundered Inis Cathaig, and we have not overtaken them before to-day. »Who will engage in battle with the king of Cold Lochlann?" said Duinechad. »It is in his ship that Donnchuan is, and he bound fast.« »Let him be left to us<;:, said the two kings of Corcamruadh, :;for they went to Arann, and it was plundered by them, and we shall avenge it upon them to-day. «
65. How shall the ships recognise each another ?« said Duinechad. For the shields and ensigns you have are not those that are known to them.« »That is easy «, said Failbe the Fair, ->for they know the situation of our territories belonging to our houses, namely Corcolaighdi furthest to the south, and the Ui Echach next to them. Corcoduibne next to them. Ciarraige next to them. Corcobaiscinn next to Ciarraige. Corcamruaid next to Corcobaiscinn. And let us arrange our fleet according to our lands, and let them come to meet us.« Duinechad [then] went to the Norse fleet, and related those answers to the children of Turgeis. »This has fallen out prettily «, said Sitric, »for these are the very opponents Ave have chosen. <; Duinechad went ashore and told the Munstermen of these engagements. And the sagaman said the lay.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 48

Rout of the Lochlannaigh through the middle of Ard Macha

Ard Macha · street · Dublin

After fierce fighting, the Munster forces broke through the Norse battle line, driving the defeated Lochlannaigh through the middle of Ard Macha northward, until they were turned back westward in full flight and the town fell into Munster hands.

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55. Scela Dhan^r a-n-dunaid do thinoWetar a n-einin^:^. 7 do again Lagman?2 na laeic 7 is^^ adubatrt Ni fhuilmit lin freastail doibh siut onac d'aentaiah thecait 7 iz/dsaight^r cath dibh again?/ 7 feraw cath riu 7 mad maid/// c?/' d/'eim dhibh as doigh gum ba^) hedh orrtha uili 7 ro cin;/edh in comatrlis'in leo 7 ro choraighset cathbhuaiU crithvec// chomhartach 7 ro in//saighset in cath ba nesa dhoibh .i. cath na n-Deisi 7 ro feradh duirgleo duil/^ eturra. gur mudhaighid mihd leo 7 gu fadhbhadh feim'dleo 7 gur cirr<?^ cnis. Ac/ii cena ad/'<?chrad<2/' maithi na lLoch.\ajtnac/i 7 ro sraemed/i gu cruaidh in cathlath«/> ar laechratd 'Loclainn tre lar Arda Macka bud thuaid gu t^Ha cath o Cairhre doibh ac cr^madh a mhratac/i 7 a mtrgedh a tuaidh 'na n-a.gaid gur himpadh siar na hochlannazg na lanmaid;//.
') + Henruc is written above the line.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft

Alliance and marriage with the Déisi

Dungarvan · townland · Waterford

After taking hostages and pledges from Domnall mac Faelain among the Déisi, Cellachan's forces made an alliance and friendship with them, sealed by the marriage of Gormlaith daughter of Buadachan.

Read the passage

Donnchad 7 do hri'sed for Danaruibh he 7 do7/ia.rhadcci:. acu ann 7 do bhatar in oighthi si?? i Caisiul 7 do chaithedar flegha 7 fureca. na n-Danar 7 na-n-Dublochlannac/z. Oacs dorowad cowairli leo isin mhaduiw a.vr\a.mhavack .i. in7isa'igid gu Port Lairgi air;;/ a rabhato;' mna 7 muin^zttra na Y^ooXannach 7 in baili do losc^o'. 7 tiaghait gu faighthi Phuirt Lairgi. Ocus ba hesiw la do riacht Sitrz'uc vs\ac Tuirgeis gu Port Lairgi lucht se long 7 C. an gach lui;/g dhibh 7 ni riachtadar acht an tir i;ztan rosiacht tosach sloigh tinman isin morbhaili. Ro hiadhaid na doirsi ag na Danaruibh 7 ro fhobrrtdar m calhraig do cosna/;///. Cid tra nir tarbha tachar risna treinf heruibh or do \mg CeaWachan 7 cae;;;- 'Dounch.ad 7 Suilk<5a;2 7 Rib^rdan 7 mil^afa m^ra moirghnimacha Mum«;z isi/z nnbaili. Oc?^,? ro dluthmharb^^' na DanrtzV leo 7 ro l^a^rad na Lo^/2la;zn«2^ 7 ro fhaguib Sitrzuc in baili 7 ro innsaigh a lui^zg 7 a ben leis. Ocus ni riacht rt^/z/ einced eshadach leo ina longaibh. Oa^j ro loiscedar sil EogrtzV? i;? baili 7 ro cr^achsat an crich. Ocus tiaguit assi;/ i crich na n-Deisi 7 gabhuit geill 7 aid^r/ Do»maill m^zc Fhaelain Ocus doronsat clea7/znas 7 cardiArad irh 7 tz^cadh GormlazV// \ngen Buad«c/;ai;z do. Ocus tiaghuid as sm i crz'ch hua m^z'<; Caille 7 hua Liathain 7 rogabsai a mbr^igdi. C^^z/jj rucs«^ slogh na c;'/<?h si;/ leo a cr/ch Eogani^<:/;/a Locha Lein 7 do creachs^/' an cn'ch Ocus xuc&at na cr^acha si;/ leo a Mz^i'crrtidhi 7 rucs«/ na h-Eoga««t/z^?rt orro an;z 7 do marb^^ ri 'Eoganachta. ann .i. Aed m«^ Sca;;72ail 7 V. C. d'Eogan^c/;/ 7 tucsaf na crecha [150 b., c. 2] cetna leo cu da righ Aesa hisde 7 tucsat geill doibh 7 tancatar fei;? leo i crich Iarmum«;/ .i. a n-Acs Irrais Ocus Uic Conghal mac Annrathain ri Irrais deab^z"^ do thosack in tsl^z^ 7 do ma.rbad CC. a.i\n.'^) O dho riacht CealW^^i^ 7 saercla;272a sil 'Eogam isin cath do gabadh Conghsil leo 7 domarb<7fl^ moran da muinz/tz)' 7 do cr^achsat in crich 7 do bat«;^ in;zti cu cen^z caeichdighis 7 doleicset C^;zgal amach 7 roghabhs«^ brdghdi uaidh. 23. Tecaid iarsi;/ i crich Ciarr^z^i 7 do ronsat crcac/ia na cr/che. Tinolsat Ciarraz^i na coin;2e 7 na Lochlannuigh

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 7

Battle of Armagh commemorated in verse

near Armagh · town · Armagh

The lay recalls that the previous day the battle of Armagh had reddened the hue of every spear, thanking God for hearing the prayers of the valorous host of Munster.

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That the hue of every spear was reddened
Yesterday in the battle of Armagh.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 47

Battle preparations and slaughter of Norse warriors at Áth Cliath

Dublin · city · Dublin

The Munstermen and their allies make a hard resolve to fight the sons of Turgeis at Áth Cliath (Dublin), swearing not to retreat. Twenty Lochlannach warriors are slain there, with only a handful of the Munster forces surviving the encounter.

Read the passage

Da n-deacha^) U/sa. go hAth Cliath. a righ dar"') fiorbhuidheach fiach nocha ttiocfar aris ar^) cciil. a righ Alumhan na mordhun.
Do xvcitiedar comh^zHe chruaidh. Clan^za Turgeis teas is tuaid^) an Ath Cliath na ccliat[h] ccath[a] ') re Donnchfl'^/ drrach d^^/^f hlatha. ^)

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you're near Áth Cliath, where the Munstermen and their allies once swore a hard oath not to retreat. They fought the sons of Turgeis here. 20 Norse warriors were slain, but only a handful of the Munster forces survived.

Book of Lismore copied from lost Book of Monasterboice

Monasterboice · townland · Louth · 1480–1500

The Book of Lismore was written partly by a friar surnamed O Buadachain who copied from the lost Book of Monasterboice in county Louth. This links the monastic site of Monasterboice to the textual transmission of the saga.

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The present edition of the following work is chiefly based on one Manuscript; the Book of Lismore, a vellum MS. from the end of the 15th century. The Book of Lismore is a Bibliotheca, or collection of historical tracts, lifes of saints, poems, tales, genealogies etc. It is the work of three scribes, one of whom is unknown ; the two others were a friar surnamed O Biiadachdin »Buchan«, »Buhan<, who copied from the lost Book of Monasterboice (county Louth); and iVengus O' Callanan. Folio 116 exhibits a curious poem by Mahon mac Donall mac Eoghan O' Daly, hereditary rhymer to the Mac Carthys-Riach, in which he justifies the strong measures taken in 1478 by Finneen and his brother Dermot in order to depose their cousin Cormac mac Donough mac Donall Riach, who had usurped the chiefry from their father (see the Annals of Loch Ce ad an.).^) We may conclude from this that the Book of Lismore was written at the end of the fifteenth century, ca. 1480 — 1500.
The Book of Lismore belongs to the Duke of Devonshire. His Grace consented that for my purpose the Book of Lismore should be temporarily deposited in the British ]Museum, the authorities of the MS. Department having first kindly consented to take charge of it. I hereby beg to express my respectful thanks to his Grace for his liberality, and to the officers of the MS. Department of the British ^Museum, and likewise to his Excellency the late Minister of Xorway and of Sweden, Count Lewenhaupt, who wrote for me to the Duke of Devonshire and got his consent to have

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 1

Ceallachán resolves to hold Cashel with the sons of kings

Cashel · townland · Tipperary

When counselled to gather a host against Ceallachán, Cennéidigh advises instead that eighty sons of kings should rise and remain with Ceallachán at Cashel, so that Munster would not be left unguarded and no Lochlannach fortress in Ireland would go unchallenged if he were betrayed.

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28. Do fhiafraigh Ceallac/ian do maithibh Mztman cred do ghenad uimesin 7 adubhrater ris dul an;?. Tinoilt^r sluagh linn ar Ceall«(;/z«;z. 7 eirgem i^zar cathuibh coraighthi co hAth QMath 7 na heir[g]iu7/2 isin du?z anun?z rt:^/?/ tahar an ben lid cugai^zd amach. Ni hedh as coir ar Ceinneidz^ ackif eirgsi iiii. XX. mac righ an;^ 7 beimitne a Caiseal nar co?;2nmdhi or ni fhuicfiu?;/ Muwa gan coi;;zet 7 ni f huil a n-Eirinn lis I^ochlannack nack roichfium da bhfealltar fortsa. Doronsad amlatd 7 do chuaidh Ceallac/ian iiii. xx. mac righ ann.
29. Ba hisi/z oighthi dorala cowradh idir Sitrz'uc mac Turgeis 7 a ben 7 rofhiafr^igh a ben de cred imatuc a shiair do Ceal\ac/ia7z. 7 gz^^'ube do chuir ar na I^ochlannac/i. adubat'rtsmm nach ar mhaithe ris ac/i^ da gliabhail fein 7 do mharbo:^ a mhuint/n. 'Eirghius an \ngeii gu moch [151 b., c. i] isin m^^ain arx\a m^rach 7 ro ghabh a heirr^a^ cuMuili uimpi or ba cradh le hi comhradh sin do cual« 7 rogradh CealW^^zVz aice i^vn 7 rofhacuibh in baile 7 tailzie \^\n slig/^ «/' shaeil fir yiwvaan do the<;/// O^z/j- m«r do bhi ann gu bhfacaidh QQd^\.achan da hin;/saig/^ 7 ro in[n]is ann \ngen na scelasin do Ocus do fhiaf/'^z'gh Ceall<^^/za;2 di cuich i fei;?. Mor mgen Aedha vaeic Eachach misi ar an mgen ingen righ In;zsi Gall^) 7 Sitfzuc mac Tur^eis mu cheh dona Fin7^1ochla^?zchaibh 7 tuc2^^ gradh. duitsi in-la atcon^zac a-Portlairgi thu 7 adubhairt in laidh Ocus ni ihuil isin laidh achi 'mnihin in sceoil aris. ^)

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here at Cashel, Ceallachán asked the nobles of Munster what he should do. They urged him to go and gather a host against his enemies. But Cennéidigh gave other counsel. He said that eighty sons of kings should rise and remain here with Ceallachán at Cashel, so that Munster would not be left without a guard, and so that no Lochlannach fortress in Ireland would go unchallenged if Ceallachán were betrayed. And that is what they did. Ceallachán went with eighty sons of kings.

Cellachan's release ordered from Armagh

near Armagh · town · Armagh

After the destruction of the Lochlannach fleet, Cellachan sent messengers to Armagh commanding the Norsemen there to bring Cellachan to Dundalk, as had been arranged earlier in the tale.

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100. Ci'odh tra acht \ar mbathadh na mborbLochlon/zach uile 7 ar ttuitiw na n-uasalttnath Muimhneach, tain;'-? Ceallachan a ttir, agus ro fhailtigh^^^^r mean;;;an[n]a 7 aigion;;ta na n-^irdtaoisioc roimhe. Cuinos Ceallachan da losgadh an vaidh don loingios nar bathadh san salmhuir 7 as i comhairle ar chin;;siad na curadha, ion;;suighe go Righ Chineil cConuill, o\r as e do chuir feasa (amhuil adubhram^ir reomain;;) go Hardmacha a ccean;; Lochlon;;ach, da radh riu Ceallach;in do breith go Dun Dealgain. Nior thog Muirch^rtach a a.gh.atdh dhoibh, g\d\\edh do ron;;sad airgne 7 eadala na criche uile, 7 tangad^;;' as
^) O'Curry in his copy writes in the margin: »imperfect — E. (. .

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 28

Cormac mac Cuilennáin slain at the battle of Belach Mughna

Ballaghmoon · townland · Kildare · 908

According to the Annals, Cormac son of Cuilennán, king of Munster, was slain by the Leinstermen in the year 908 at the battle of Belach Mughna in Magh Ailbe, County Kildare, which took place in autumn.

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ij 98. Cormac, son of Cuilennan, was. according to the Annals, slain by the Leinster-men in the year 908, in the battle of Belach Mughna, in iMagh Ailbe (Co. Kildare). The battle took place in the autumn. The battle between Cellachan, and his men and the Leinster-men must accordingly have taken place in the year 551.
§ 100. Nior tliGg MiiidtertacJi a aghaidh, M. did not raise his face«, i. e. »he did not show himself<.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 82

Devastation of Sceilg Mhichíl by the sons of Turgeis

near Skellig Rock Great · townland · Kerry

Segda, Failbe, and Congal claim the right to fight the three sons of Turgeis because those Norsemen had gone to Scelig Michil and devastated the country there.

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03. >AVe have given our word«, said they, »that if the Munstermen and the Norsemen were joined together, we would not let Cellachan be taken away by them without giving them battle. « »If that it so«, said Duinechad, then tell me which of the Lochlann heroes you will choose to match yourselves against ? And these are they : Lochlannach of the Blades, and the handsome (?) Lochlannach, and Old Amlaib, the three guardians of Cork.« »Let them be given to us«, said the three kings of Corcaduibne, namely Flann, and Cobthach, and Edirscel.« For it is to us that they have given cause after coming to Inis Clere, when they carried off our women and youths in captivity. And we have not overtakeri them to avenge ourselves upon them, but we shall take them in hand to-day. « » Which of you«, said Duinechad, »will undertake to fight against Lenn-Turmun of the Journey ?« »Let him be left to me«, said Dubdaboirenn, the king of Western Ui Echach, »for he has slain a good son of mine«, (viz. Aedh, the son of Dubdaboirenn). » Which of you«, said Duinechad, ;>will undertake to fight against the three sons of Turgeis. namely Sitric, and Tor and Magnus? And it is in their- ship Cellachan is.« »Let them be left to us«, said Segda, and Failbe, and Congal, »for they went to Scelig Michil and devastated the country. But we shall take them in hand for our share to-day. «
CHAITHREIM CEALLACHAIN CAISIL.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft

Election of Cellachán as king on a mound

Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 934

Donnchadh left the mound (dumha) at the assembly where Cellachán was elected king, showing that the popular assembly of all seventeen tribes of Munster was held on a mound, analogous to Scandinavian things.

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Ocus facbhais Donnchad in diuiia, » And Donnchadh left the mound«. This shows that the assembly (^6' w//«f//^//), where Cellachan was elected king, was held on a mound [dtLinha). This meeting of all the seventeen tribes of Munster was a
J) Cogadh, pp. CVI f.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 59

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cashel, in 934, Cellachán was elected king of Munster. The assembly of all seventeen tribes met on a mound, and the record notes that Donnchadh left the mound. The old text says simply, 'And Donnchadh left the mound.'

Killing of the king of Eoganacht Locha Léin

near Lough Leane · lake or lakes · Kerry

The Munster raiding party pursued the plunder of Locha Léin into Muscraige, where the Eoganacht overtook them and a battle ensued in which the king of Eoganacht, Aed mac Scannail, was killed along with fifty of the Eoganacht.

Read the passage

Donnchad 7 do hri'sed for Danaruibh he 7 do7/ia.rhadcci:. acu ann 7 do bhatar in oighthi si?? i Caisiul 7 do chaithedar flegha 7 fureca. na n-Danar 7 na-n-Dublochlannac/z. Oacs dorowad cowairli leo isin mhaduiw a.vr\a.mhavack .i. in7isa'igid gu Port Lairgi air;;/ a rabhato;' mna 7 muin^zttra na Y^ooXannach 7 in baili do losc^o'. 7 tiaghait gu faighthi Phuirt Lairgi. Ocus ba hesiw la do riacht Sitrz'uc vs\ac Tuirgeis gu Port Lairgi lucht se long 7 C. an gach lui;/g dhibh 7 ni riachtadar acht an tir i;ztan rosiacht tosach sloigh tinman isin morbhaili. Ro hiadhaid na doirsi ag na Danaruibh 7 ro fhobrrtdar m calhraig do cosna/;///. Cid tra nir tarbha tachar risna treinf heruibh or do \mg CeaWachan 7 cae;;;- 'Dounch.ad 7 Suilk<5a;2 7 Rib^rdan 7 mil^afa m^ra moirghnimacha Mum«;z isi/z nnbaili. Oc?^,? ro dluthmharb^^' na DanrtzV leo 7 ro l^a^rad na Lo^/2la;zn«2^ 7 ro fhaguib Sitrzuc in baili 7 ro innsaigh a lui^zg 7 a ben leis. Ocus ni riacht rt^/z/ einced eshadach leo ina longaibh. Oa^j ro loiscedar sil EogrtzV? i;? baili 7 ro cr^achsat an crich. Ocus tiaguit assi;/ i crich na n-Deisi 7 gabhuit geill 7 aid^r/ Do»maill m^zc Fhaelain Ocus doronsat clea7/znas 7 cardiArad irh 7 tz^cadh GormlazV// \ngen Buad«c/;ai;z do. Ocus tiaghuid as sm i crz'ch hua m^z'<; Caille 7 hua Liathain 7 rogabsai a mbr^igdi. C^^z/jj rucs«^ slogh na c;'/<?h si;/ leo a cr/ch Eogani^<:/;/a Locha Lein 7 do creachs^/' an cn'ch Ocus xuc&at na cr^acha si;/ leo a Mz^i'crrtidhi 7 rucs«/ na h-Eoga««t/z^?rt orro an;z 7 do marb^^ ri 'Eoganachta. ann .i. Aed m«^ Sca;;72ail 7 V. C. d'Eogan^c/;/ 7 tucsaf na crecha [150 b., c. 2] cetna leo cu da righ Aesa hisde 7 tucsat geill doibh 7 tancatar fei;? leo i crich Iarmum«;/ .i. a n-Acs Irrais Ocus Uic Conghal mac Annrathain ri Irrais deab^z"^ do thosack in tsl^z^ 7 do ma.rbad CC. a.i\n.'^) O dho riacht CealW^^i^ 7 saercla;272a sil 'Eogam isin cath do gabadh Conghsil leo 7 domarb<7fl^ moran da muinz/tz)' 7 do cr^achsat in crich 7 do bat«;^ in;zti cu cen^z caeichdighis 7 doleicset C^;zgal amach 7 roghabhs«^ brdghdi uaidh. 23. Tecaid iarsi;/ i crich Ciarr^z^i 7 do ronsat crcac/ia na cr/che. Tinolsat Ciarraz^i na coin;2e 7 na Lochlannuigh

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 7

March to Dún Dealgan via Sliabh Fuáit and Magh Muirtheimhne

Dundalk · town · Louth

The Munster army advanced in ordered battalions through Sliabh Fuáit, Fidh Conaill and Magh Muirtheimhne, arriving directly at Dún Dealgan, where the Lochlannaigh had taken to their ships along the shore, with Ceallachán held aboard Sitric mac Tuirghéis's vessel.

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58. Gluaisit rompa 'na caXhaib coir^^ti i Sliabh Fuait 7 a bhfigh ConuiW 7 a magh Mz^nhemhne 7 docuw Dui//e T)ea\gan co dir^'c/?. Ocus do chuad^xr na Lochla////^/^ 'na \ongaih\i uatha 7 do cuadarsan gu taebh na tragha. IS i long ba nesa doibh long Shitr/uc mei'c Tuirghefijs 7 is in?2ti do bhi Cea\\acka7t 7 dofhiar<«2^ Don^zchad dibh in hhMghed/i Ceallac/zan re thuascal<3:«^. Tuc Sitmic a hriatkar
B

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft

Muirchertach's circuit brings hostage Sitric from Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 941–942

In the winter of 941-942, Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks made his famous circuit of Ireland and on his way came to Dublin, from where he brought Sitric of the jewels as a hostage. The Four Masters call this Sitric lord of Dublin.

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On his way he came to Dublin from where he brought »vSitric of the jewels« [Sitric na sed) as a hostage.^) Dr. Steenstrup and Dr. O' Donovan are of opinion that this Sitric has not been the lord of Dublin, »but a noble warrior or perhaps a junior princes.^) I cannot agree with them, because in the annals of the Four Masters (A. D. 939) he is called tighcarna AtJia Cliath »lord of Dublin ;< ; in the poem he also, in my opinion, appears as the lord of this town. This Sitric, who has probably belonged to another family than Olav Kvaaran, is perhaps identical with Sitric mac Turgeis.
The name of Sitric or Sitriuc is, as we have heard, the Irish form of the Norse Sigtryggr. The name of Turgeis is probably not the Irish form of 'porgisl, but as suggested by Dr. Whitley Stokes, the Irish form of the Norse porgestr. Sitric and his brothers are called clann Turgeis »the descendants of Turgeis«. ^) From this we may perhaps infer that Turgeis has not been the father, but the ancestor of Sitric. If so, we must necessarily think of the famous Turgeis, the founder of Dublin, who lived about the year 840 and who was the first king of the vikings in Ireland. Turgeis 's name was well known in after times; he is mentioned by Giraldus Cambrensis. Turgeis, who was drowned in 845, was probably succeeded by Zain and largna, the two halfkings {leithri) of the Norwegians, who in 851 were slain by the Danes. ^) In the year 853 the Norwegian power was reestablished by Amlaib Coming^ son of the king of Lochlann (i, e. Norway), the same king whom the Icelandic Sagas call Olafr Jiviti (Olav the white). His descendants, or rather the descendants of his brother Ivar were for a long time kings of Dublin. In this family the uncommon name of lercne or Iar[n)gna (i. e. Idrnkne, Iron-knee) and its Irish translation Gliniiaran are often used. Thus the lord of Dublin about 890 — 895 has the name Gluniaran. His son was probably Oittir mac larngna, who fell in 918.^) This seems to show that there has been some family-relationship between the

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 70

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is the city Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks reached on his circuit of Ireland in the winter of 941. He took Sitric of the jewels as his hostage. The Irish name is Sitric na sed. There has been argument about who this Sitric was. Steenstrup and O'Donovan held he was not the lord of the town, but a noble warrior or perhaps a junior prince. The writer of this passage disagreed. He pointed to the annals of the Four Masters, which under the year 939 call Sitric tigerna Atha Cliath, lord of the town, and he said the poem also appears to show him as lord there. This Sitric probably belonged to a different family than Olav Kvaaran, and may be identical with Sitric mac Turgeis. The name Sitric is the Irish form of the Norse Sigtryggr. Sitric and his brothers are called clann Turgeis, the descendants of Turgeis, which suggests Turgeis was not his father but his ancestor. If so, this would be the famous Turgeis who founded the city about the year 840 and was the first king of the Vikings in Ireland. Turgeis was drowned in 845. He was probably succeeded by Zain and Iargna, the two half kings of the Norwegians, who were slain by the Danes in 851. In 853 the Norwegian power was restored by Amlaib Coming, son of the king of Lochlann, the same king the Icelandic sagas call Olafr hviti, Olav the white. The descendants of his brother Ivar were for a long time kings of the town. In that family the uncommon name Iargna, meaning Iron-knee, and its Irish translation Gluniaran appear often. The lord there around 890 to 895 bore the name Gluniaran. His son was probably Oittir mac Iarngna, who fell in 918.

Munster Forces March on Limerick to Confront the Norse

Limerick · city · Limerick

Ceallachan and the sons of Eogan send a force of one hundred men toward Limerick, intending to demand the surrender of the city and hostages from the Norse leaders Amhlaeibh, Morann and Maghnus.

Read the passage

Cid tra acht ro agaill CediWachan oXainn Kogam 7 adubairt friu cogad calma do dhewamh leis 7 adubratar gu n-dingnidis. Oczcs adb^rtsat innsaig/iaf co Lui/z/n^ch dalos^<^^X, C. fer a lin 7 o rangad^r do chuirs^'/fis uathaibh co laech- Amhlaibh Luimn/^ 7 gu clannaibh Co/?nra .i. gu Aloray^n 7 gu Maghn/fj" 7 gu mor-Lochlainn da radh riu Luimnech do luathfhacba/7 fzo braighdi do thabairt doibh-siu///:
O ro siachtadar na tec/iia. cu laechrad l.uimn?^ ro ghabsad ag fochuitbed 7 ised ro ?,hsi\\edar nac/i coisenta Mu///a na Lui/z/nijc// amhain fr/'u gu brach. O^z^j adubratar no bhertais in cat[h].

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 3

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is the city Ceallachan of Cashel and the sons of Eogan marched on in the middle of the 10th century. They sent 100 men with messengers demanding that the Norse leaders Amhlaeibh, Morann, Maghnus and Mor-Lochlainn leave the city and hand over hostages. When the force arrived, the warriors readied themselves and refused to yield. They said they would give battle.

New Norse settlers arrive at Cork under Ragnall

Cork · city · Cork · 914–917

In the early 10th century new Viking settlers came to Cork and other parts of southern Ireland under Ragnall, grandson of Imar, and the Earl Ottir. Ragnall is described as probably Danish and called king of the Danes in the Annals.

Read the passage

§ 20. Corcach is the Irish name of the city of Cork, in Munster. The city of Cork has probably been founded by the vikings in the middle of the ninth century. The Three Fragments (A. D. 866) mention the Norse hosts [sloigli Lochlann) who »came from the harbour of Cork« [0 PJiurt Corcaighe), where their chief had »a fortified castle « [castail daingen\ the earliest notice of a Norse castle in Ireland. ^) In the beginning of the loth century new settlers came to Cork, and to other parts of southern Ireland under Ragnali (i. e.
^) Three Fragments of Irish Annals, ed. O' Donovan, pp. i66 f.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you are near a city the Vikings probably founded in the middle of the ninth century. The Three Fragments of Irish Annals, writing of the year 866, mention Norse hosts who came from the harbour of Cork, where their chief had a fortified castle, the earliest notice of a Norse castle in Ireland. Around 914 new settlers arrived here under Ragnall, a grandson of Imar, along with the Earl Ottir. Ragnall was probably Danish, and the Annals call him king of the Danes. They settled not just in Cork but across other parts of southern Ireland, adding a new layer to a Norse presence already decades old.

Norse garrison of Armagh and their leaders named

near Armagh · town · Armagh

The Norsemen occupying Armagh remained in the town under leaders Lulach, Amlaibh, Lagmann, Turcaill, Gilla Ciarain son of Henruc, and Oitir the Black, numbering 700 men in an arranged battalion.

Read the passage

While they were there, they saw a host coming towards them. Ten hundreds was their number. And they were arranged in the following way. One man was right in front of them. They asked, who he was, and who were the host. »A host of Munstermen«, answered he, »but the Munstermen do not know that they belong to them, namely the Dealbhna, the Gailinga, and the Luighne, of the descendants of Tadg, son of Cian. And there are three valiant chiefs leading them, viz. Aed son of Dualascach, and the Gailinga around him, and the Luighne around Diarmuid son of Finnachta, and the Dealbna around Donnchadh son of Maeldomnaill. And this is their number, five hundred with armour and five hundred without armour. « They encamped besides the Dalcassians, and they stayed there that night happily and peacefully. They arose early the next morning, and crossed Esdara, and the bright little bridge of Alatra, and the ancient streams of the Sligech, their right hand towards the windy cold Ben Gulban. They crossed the Dubh and the Drobais, and crossed the verdant appleblossomed Magh Ene, and came to royal Ess Ruaid. They sent forag'ers eastwards across Ath Senadh, and collected the spoils of Crich Conaill from the east and brought them to their camp. Muirchertach son of Airnelach, the king of Cenel Conaill, pursued them and was demanding his spoils from them. Donnchadh replied that he would not restore them, before the host had been satisfied from them. »But we shall not take with us the least of our leavings; for it will not be a country without cattle to which we shall come. Muirchertach however returned northwards before them, and sent messengers to Armagh to tell the Norsemen that they were approaching towards them, and to tell the children of Turgeis to bring Cellachan to Dundalk. When the children of Turgeis heard this, they left the town with the nine earls who had been around Cellachan when he was taken prisoner at Ath Cliath. But the Norsemen of the town itselt remained there, namely Lulach, and Amlaibh, and Lagraann, and Turcaill, and Gilla Ciarain, son of Henruc the old king, and Oitir the Black. And their number was, 700 and an arranged battallion.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 44

Raid on Scattery Island by Norsemen

Scattery Island · townland · Clare

Two Norse kings of Corco Baiscinn are identified as having raided Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island); the Munster forces declare they will now exact retribution for the act.

Read the passage

64. Adbrtr ele ar Failbi t?/csam breithir wadi biath ar muir //r^ ar tir in^d a bhfo/cimis iat wadi roichfimis da indsaig/'rt'. Cia uaibh ar T)\xvc\ccliad gabh?/j- do laimh vaac righ Finnloch- \anii. leagar damsa he ar Cci//chub^;- ri Ciarrrt/di Luac//ra or do loisc se Ard Fothaigh mBrenai//d 7 dighelatsa fair aniug he. Cia ghab/zj do laimh Len// Trum?/// (sic) na Pers ar Dxnncchad. \ea.gar dhuin//e he ar D'larmaid 7 ar Baiscin?? da righ Corco Baisc;/^ air ro creachsad Inis CdXhaig 7 ni rucs^mne orro cz/janiugh. Cia ghabh/M do lai/// ar Duin^^rt^ ri Ynar\oc\ann} IS 'na lui/zg ata Don// Cuan 7 he ceangailti. Leagar duin;/e he ar da righ Corcamruadh air dochuadrt/' for Arsdmi 7 do creach^^ leo hi 7 6\ghe\maitne orra aniugh.
'■) The words between brackets are oniiucd in the line and written in tlie

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 19

Scattery Island plundered by Magnus son of Harald

Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 968–975

A few years after the battle of Sulcoit, Inis-Cathaig, Scattery Island in the Shannon, was plundered by Magnus, son of Arait (Old Norse Haraldr), with the Lagmanni of the Hebrides.

Read the passage

The name of Magnus (later Manus) is derived from 0(\2lx\q.- Tna.gne{Caro/i(s Afao-me^s). Several recurrences ofthe name are known from Limerick. Magnus Berna (i. e. Magnus the son of Bjarni), or » Magnus of Limerick« {Manus Lumnig)^ was slain in the year 968, in the battle of Sulcoit. ^) A few years later »Inis-Cathaig« (Scattery Island in the Shannon) was plundered by Magnus, son of Arait (^ O. N. Haraldr), with the Lagmanni of the Islands (i. e. the Hebrides).-) Dr. O" l^onovan is probably right in his suggestion that the name of Magiuis was first introduced into Ireland by the Norsemen. Loclilainn as a proper name must be a derivation of /,^^///fl«/^ (Old Ir. Lothlenn or Lothli7in)^ the common Irish name for Norway and the Scandinavian countries.^) According to the Four Masters, » Loclilainn, lord of Corca-Modhruaidh, died« A. D. 983. He w^as »the progenitor after whom the O' Lochlainns, or O' Loughlins of Burren, in Thomond, have taken their hereditary surname«. From this we see that Lochlainn as a personal name was in use in Munster in the loth century. The name became in later times very common.
In the next last line of the chapter the MS. has gu brach^ instead of the usual gu hrath (i e. to the day of judgment; for ever). Is this a Munster provincialism? In the

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 60

Death of Conghal, king of Irrus

Erris · barony · Mayo

Conghal mac Annrathan, king of Irrus, opened battle against Cellachan's advancing host, and two hundred men were slain in the fighting before Conghal himself was captured.

Read the passage

Donnchad 7 do hri'sed for Danaruibh he 7 do7/ia.rhadcci:. acu ann 7 do bhatar in oighthi si?? i Caisiul 7 do chaithedar flegha 7 fureca. na n-Danar 7 na-n-Dublochlannac/z. Oacs dorowad cowairli leo isin mhaduiw a.vr\a.mhavack .i. in7isa'igid gu Port Lairgi air;;/ a rabhato;' mna 7 muin^zttra na Y^ooXannach 7 in baili do losc^o'. 7 tiaghait gu faighthi Phuirt Lairgi. Ocus ba hesiw la do riacht Sitrz'uc vs\ac Tuirgeis gu Port Lairgi lucht se long 7 C. an gach lui;/g dhibh 7 ni riachtadar acht an tir i;ztan rosiacht tosach sloigh tinman isin morbhaili. Ro hiadhaid na doirsi ag na Danaruibh 7 ro fhobrrtdar m calhraig do cosna/;///. Cid tra nir tarbha tachar risna treinf heruibh or do \mg CeaWachan 7 cae;;;- 'Dounch.ad 7 Suilk<5a;2 7 Rib^rdan 7 mil^afa m^ra moirghnimacha Mum«;z isi/z nnbaili. Oc?^,? ro dluthmharb^^' na DanrtzV leo 7 ro l^a^rad na Lo^/2la;zn«2^ 7 ro fhaguib Sitrzuc in baili 7 ro innsaigh a lui^zg 7 a ben leis. Ocus ni riacht rt^/z/ einced eshadach leo ina longaibh. Oa^j ro loiscedar sil EogrtzV? i;? baili 7 ro cr^achsat an crich. Ocus tiaguit assi;/ i crich na n-Deisi 7 gabhuit geill 7 aid^r/ Do»maill m^zc Fhaelain Ocus doronsat clea7/znas 7 cardiArad irh 7 tz^cadh GormlazV// \ngen Buad«c/;ai;z do. Ocus tiaghuid as sm i crz'ch hua m^z'<; Caille 7 hua Liathain 7 rogabsai a mbr^igdi. C^^z/jj rucs«^ slogh na c;'/<?h si;/ leo a cr/ch Eogani^<:/;/a Locha Lein 7 do creachs^/' an cn'ch Ocus xuc&at na cr^acha si;/ leo a Mz^i'crrtidhi 7 rucs«/ na h-Eoga««t/z^?rt orro an;z 7 do marb^^ ri 'Eoganachta. ann .i. Aed m«^ Sca;;72ail 7 V. C. d'Eogan^c/;/ 7 tucsaf na crecha [150 b., c. 2] cetna leo cu da righ Aesa hisde 7 tucsat geill doibh 7 tancatar fei;? leo i crich Iarmum«;/ .i. a n-Acs Irrais Ocus Uic Conghal mac Annrathain ri Irrais deab^z"^ do thosack in tsl^z^ 7 do ma.rbad CC. a.i\n.'^) O dho riacht CealW^^i^ 7 saercla;272a sil 'Eogam isin cath do gabadh Conghsil leo 7 domarb<7fl^ moran da muinz/tz)' 7 do cr^achsat in crich 7 do bat«;^ in;zti cu cen^z caeichdighis 7 doleicset C^;zgal amach 7 roghabhs«^ brdghdi uaidh. 23. Tecaid iarsi;/ i crich Ciarr^z^i 7 do ronsat crcac/ia na cr/che. Tinolsat Ciarraz^i na coin;2e 7 na Lochlannuigh

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 7

Waterford's fortified walls leapt by Cellachan

Waterford · city · Waterford

Waterford (Port Lairge) is described as a fortified town closely connected to the kingdom of Dublin, sometimes independent and sometimes united with it. The walls could not have been very high, since Cellachan and his men leapt over them.

Read the passage

Waterford is, like Limerick and Dublin, described as a fortified town. But the walls cannot have been high, since Cellachan and his men lept over them.
Deist, i. e. the present baronies of Decies-within-Drum and Decies-without-Drum, county of Waterford. According to the Four Masters, Domhnall, son of Faelan, lord of the Deisi, died A. D. 995.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 67

Arrival at royal Ess Ruaid and foraging Crich Conaill

Assaroe · waterfall · Donegal

The host crossed the Dubh and Drobais rivers and the appleblossomed Magh Ene, arriving at royal Ess Ruaid, then sent foragers across Ath Senadh to collect spoils from Crich Conaill.

Read the passage

While they were there, they saw a host coming towards them. Ten hundreds was their number. And they were arranged in the following way. One man was right in front of them. They asked, who he was, and who were the host. »A host of Munstermen«, answered he, »but the Munstermen do not know that they belong to them, namely the Dealbhna, the Gailinga, and the Luighne, of the descendants of Tadg, son of Cian. And there are three valiant chiefs leading them, viz. Aed son of Dualascach, and the Gailinga around him, and the Luighne around Diarmuid son of Finnachta, and the Dealbna around Donnchadh son of Maeldomnaill. And this is their number, five hundred with armour and five hundred without armour. « They encamped besides the Dalcassians, and they stayed there that night happily and peacefully. They arose early the next morning, and crossed Esdara, and the bright little bridge of Alatra, and the ancient streams of the Sligech, their right hand towards the windy cold Ben Gulban. They crossed the Dubh and the Drobais, and crossed the verdant appleblossomed Magh Ene, and came to royal Ess Ruaid. They sent forag'ers eastwards across Ath Senadh, and collected the spoils of Crich Conaill from the east and brought them to their camp. Muirchertach son of Airnelach, the king of Cenel Conaill, pursued them and was demanding his spoils from them. Donnchadh replied that he would not restore them, before the host had been satisfied from them. »But we shall not take with us the least of our leavings; for it will not be a country without cattle to which we shall come. Muirchertach however returned northwards before them, and sent messengers to Armagh to tell the Norsemen that they were approaching towards them, and to tell the children of Turgeis to bring Cellachan to Dundalk. When the children of Turgeis heard this, they left the town with the nine earls who had been around Cellachan when he was taken prisoner at Ath Cliath. But the Norsemen of the town itselt remained there, namely Lulach, and Amlaibh, and Lagraann, and Turcaill, and Gilla Ciarain, son of Henruc the old king, and Oitir the Black. And their number was, 700 and an arranged battallion.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 44

As the companion tells it

Right here at Assaroe is where a Munster host arrived in the 10th century, crossing the Dubh and Drobais rivers and the appleblossomed Magh Ene to reach royal Ess Ruaid. They had been joined by a thousand men of the Dealbhna, the Gailinga, and the Luighne, five hundred with armour and five hundred without, led by three chiefs: Aed son of Dualascach, Diarmuid son of Finnachta, and Donnchadh son of Maeldomnaill. From here they sent foragers eastwards across Ath Senadh to collect the spoils of Crich Conaill and bring them back to camp. Muirchertach son of Airnelach, the king of Cenel Conaill, pursued them and demanded his spoils back. Donnchadh refused, saying he would not restore them before the host had been satisfied, and that they would not take with them the least of their leavings, for it would not be a country without cattle to which they would come. Muirchertach turned northwards and sent messengers to Armagh to tell the Norsemen they were approaching, and to tell the children of Turgeis to bring Cellachan to Dundalk.

Burning of Ard Fothaigh mBrenainn avenged

Ardfert · town · Kerry

A Norse leader is identified as the man who burned Ard Fothaigh mBrenainn, and vengeance for this act is sworn to be exacted that day.

Read the passage

64. Adbrtr ele ar Failbi t?/csam breithir wadi biath ar muir //r^ ar tir in^d a bhfo/cimis iat wadi roichfimis da indsaig/'rt'. Cia uaibh ar T)\xvc\ccliad gabh?/j- do laimh vaac righ Finnloch- \anii. leagar damsa he ar Cci//chub^;- ri Ciarrrt/di Luac//ra or do loisc se Ard Fothaigh mBrenai//d 7 dighelatsa fair aniug he. Cia ghab/zj do laimh Len// Trum?/// (sic) na Pers ar Dxnncchad. \ea.gar dhuin//e he ar D'larmaid 7 ar Baiscin?? da righ Corco Baisc;/^ air ro creachsad Inis CdXhaig 7 ni rucs^mne orro cz/janiugh. Cia ghabh/M do lai/// ar Duin^^rt^ ri Ynar\oc\ann} IS 'na lui/zg ata Don// Cuan 7 he ceangailti. Leagar duin;/e he ar da righ Corcamruadh air dochuadrt/' for Arsdmi 7 do creach^^ leo hi 7 6\ghe\maitne orra aniugh.
'■) The words between brackets are oniiucd in the line and written in tlie

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 19

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Ardfert, this is the place once called Ard Fothaigh mBrenainn. In the middle of the 10th century, a Norse leader burned it, and in the wars between the Irish and the Norsemen recorded in the Caithreim Cellachain Caisil, he is identified and vengeance is sworn to be exacted that same day. Several Norse leaders are named in the passage and matched against Irish kings for retribution, but the burning of this place is the charge that stands out here.

Cashel named as the seat of the Eoganacht kings

Cashel · townland · Tipperary

The poem calls on the Eoganachts of Cashel, described as having pleasant dykes, to assemble before their king is carried away over the sea.

Read the passage

Let the descendants of Core be assembled, The Eoganachts of Cashel of the pleasant dykei>, Before they carry away over the sea Their valiant triumphant king.
Let the descendants of warhke Eogan come To seek their king with a great vow, From the wave of Cliodhna of the heavy storms To the river of the Two Kine.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 41

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stands Cashel, seat of the Eoganacht kings. An old poem calls on the descendants of Core, the Eoganacts of Cashel of the pleasant dyke, to assemble before their valiant triumphant king is carried away over the sea. It urges the descendants of warlike Eogan to come seek their king, from the wave of Cliodhna to the river of the Two Kine.

Cellachan's expedition to Clonard

Clonard · town · Meath · 939

According to the Annals of the Four Masters, Cellachan made an expedition into Munster and went as far as Clonard in 939, bringing foreign allies including the foreigners of Waterford with him.

Read the passage

Thus, it does not mention that Cellachan was carried away as a captive by king Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks on his celebrated circuit of Ireland, in the winter 941—942.^) Our Saga likewise does not mention that Clonmacnois was in the year 936 plundered by Cellachan and the menofMunster (Four Masters, A. D. 934). The Annals, on the other hand, know that Cellachan was a great warrior. According to the Annals of the Four Masters he in 937 (recte 939) made an expedition into Munster and went as for as Clonard. On this expedition »he had the foreigners along with him«, among whom the foreigners of Port Lairge (Waterford) are especially mentioned. We may conclude from this that our Saga is right when it states that Cellachan got the Vikingcolonies of southern Munster as far as AVaterford in his power. The present Saga likewise states that Cellachan and his men conquered Limerick. That this is right we can indirectly conclude from the Annals of the Four Masters which are to the effect that in the year 951 (recte 953) Clonmacnois was plundered by the men of Munster, and the Norsemen of Limerick along with them [co nGallatbh Luimnigh amaille friu).<-< A joint expedition of Munstermen and Vikings from Limerick would never have taken place, if Limerick had not been in some way dependant on the king of Munster.
The war between Cellachan and the people of Ossory is also known to the Annals of the Four Masters who tell (A. D. 938): »At great slaughter was made of the O.sraighi (i. e. the people of Ossory) by Cellachan, king of Cashel«. The battle of Cromad (Croom), where Cellachan defeated the Ui Cairbre ( § 25), is also known to the Annals (The Battle of Magh Rath, ed. O' Donovan, p. 340; Genealogical Table, showing the descent of the principal families sprung from Oiholl Olum, king of Munster, col. 2, n. 22).

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 1

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Clonard, here in Meath. In 939 the Annals of the Four Masters record that Cellachan, king of Cashel, made an expedition that went as far as this place. He had the foreigners along with him, and among them the foreigners of Waterford are especially mentioned. Cellachan was a great warrior by the Annals' account. The same record says he plundered Clonmacnois in 936 and made a great slaughter of the people of Ossory. The saga of his career states that he brought the Viking colonies of southern Munster as far as Waterford into his power, and that he and his men conquered Limerick. The Annals support this indirectly, since in 953 the men of Munster and the Norsemen of Limerick together plundered Clonmacnois, a joint venture that would not have happened had Limerick not been dependent on the king of Munster. So what brings Cellachan's name to Clonard is that farthest reach of his 939 expedition, an Irish king marching with Norse allies into the heart of Meath.

Munster forces follow the coast to Tráigh Bhaile

near Tralee Bay · bay · Kerry

The saerchlanna of west Munster are described as following the coast from the harbour of Clidhna southward to the harbour of Trágh Bhaile, defending their king and lord.

Read the passage

('•;. Cid tra o do riachtad^/rna hoirrigha ^^/>mdergasi;/ iarthair Kiri//// A. na saerchl^/////a soclima sarthin//\a.ict//i:c/ia. o thuin// coirpgil Clidhna anes gu cuan Tragha bithaille Baili a lea//mui// a treoi// 7 a tigrrna. 7 do chosnamh a cur^drigh asin eicin a raibhi an righmhil/rt'. o' icon // cada r ar na ccngal 7 or na chuibhrrc// re seolchran;/ na lui//gi hoch.\a7/nai£i he. do aithrighset cuin// 7 cialla 7 cetfadha dona curada/7^ 7 ro buaidhrit dealbha 7 datha doibh 7 ro gr<?an//aighset a n-gnuisi 7 ro bhanad^?/' a mbeoil. 6^c7^^- do coraig^d co calma ag na currt:daibh do chosnuw Ceallacham luathlaem luthghasda long 7 cathair chumhdrtz^i clog^d 7 buaili bu//ata boghadh 7 fal ferrdha fraechnei»znech lin^zsleagh.
68. IS an// sin ro eirgcfar na firlaecdha l^/>^anarmacha Loc- \an//a/g sin 7 na Goill gnusghorma grancda grainemhla 7 na Danrt'z'r dhaera dhochenelcha gan dilsi gan dnthchus re hinnis bhfhiraluin// bhFhodla 7 gan bunadhz^j gan brath^z/Xsi re Banba Ociis ro coraig^d acu sein du;/ dighain// doinz/sciathach 7 sluaghdhoire sesm^c// slegh nei/////- nech nertchalma. Acht ata ni cena o dho riachtadrt^r na rmXtd cu tin//isn^'c/z talchair ro ci//gedar gu calma a cnairre isin c2i\Xh.\rgatl guruh ris ba sam^/ta na saerchl^i'zwa re sireisdeacht .i. re coicedul cala^ cloichimdha oca imtecht d'feghui// 7 d'almuibh 7 d'i;znilibh [154 b., col. 2] do greaghuibh 7 do graifnibh 7 do ghlanmharcshl?^^^ na frasa fuilidi faebracha oca bhferthuin 7 coicidul a colg 7 a craisech ag luaiththesc^^ luir<?ch 7 ar scoltadh sciath 7

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 20

Plundering of Aran by the king of Cold Lochlann

near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

The two kings of Corcamruadh claim the right to fight the king of Cold Lochlann, whose men had earlier plundered Aran (Arann), an injury they intend to avenge in battle.

Read the passage

64. ;> Another reason^, said Failbe, »is that we have given our word that there shall not be on sea or on land a place where we see them that we shall not reach to attack them. ; Which of you<, said Duinechad, »will engage the son of the king of Fair Lochlann?« »Let him be left to me<;, said Conchubar, king of Ciarraige Luachra, »for he has burned Ard Fothaig Brenaind. But I shall avenge that upon him to-day. < » Who will engage in battle with Lenn Turmun na Pers (i. e. of the Berserks) ?« said Duinechad. »Let him be left to me< , said Diarmaid and Baiscinn, the two kings of Corcobaiscinn. »For they have plundered Inis Cathaig, and we have not overtaken them before to-day. »Who will engage in battle with the king of Cold Lochlann?" said Duinechad. »It is in his ship that Donnchuan is, and he bound fast.« »Let him be left to us<;:, said the two kings of Corcamruadh, :;for they went to Arann, and it was plundered by them, and we shall avenge it upon them to-day. «
65. How shall the ships recognise each another ?« said Duinechad. For the shields and ensigns you have are not those that are known to them.« »That is easy «, said Failbe the Fair, ->for they know the situation of our territories belonging to our houses, namely Corcolaighdi furthest to the south, and the Ui Echach next to them. Corcoduibne next to them. Ciarraige next to them. Corcobaiscinn next to Ciarraige. Corcamruaid next to Corcobaiscinn. And let us arrange our fleet according to our lands, and let them come to meet us.« Duinechad [then] went to the Norse fleet, and related those answers to the children of Turgeis. »This has fallen out prettily «, said Sitric, »for these are the very opponents Ave have chosen. <; Duinechad went ashore and told the Munstermen of these engagements. And the sagaman said the lay.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 48

Shifting kingship of Dublin among Norse chieftains

Dublin · city · Dublin · 945–953

The kingdom of Dublin in the mid-10th century often had more than one lord at the same time, with chieftains such as Blacair and Amlaib alternately expelling each other; in 945 Blacair abandoned Dublin and Amlaib remained in his place.

Read the passage

There is much confusion as to the kingdom of Dublin in the middle of the loth century. This, the most powerful viking-colony in Ireland, must often have had more than one lord or king at the same time. Thus the king Blacair (= O. N. Blakkr), son of Godfred. is called »one of the chieftains of the Foreigners « [aon do thaoisccliaibJi Gall).'^) And one chieftain often cxpells an other. Thus in the year 945, ->Blacair abandoned Dublin, and Amlaib remained in his place-.-) But Amlaib (i. e. Olav Kvaaran) went afterwards to Northumberland, and Blacair again appears as »king of the Foreigners-; he was killed in 948.^) We do not now the name of his successor. In the year 950, however, Ivar {Imhar) appears as »Tanist of the Foreigners «, and another of the chieftains of the Norsemen of Dublin is called » Godfred, son of Sitrio).*) Ivar was killed in a battle (950), and Godfred was probably slain the next year. ^) Olav Kvaaran {Amlaib CnarcDi) comes back in the year 953 and again becomes king of Dublin. ^') We see from this that there are intervals where we do not know the names of the lords of Dublin (949—950 and 951—953)-
Our saga mentions Sitric mac Turgeis and his brothers as lords of Dublin. Their names are not known by the Annals. But still they may be historical. About the middle of the tenth century there has undoubtedly been a lord of Dublin of the name of Sitric. In the winter 941 — 942, Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks made his famous circuit of Ireland, which has been described by a contemporary poet.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft

As the companion tells it

Dublin was the most powerful Viking colony in Ireland, and in the middle of the 10th century it often had more than one lord at the same time. One chieftain would expel another, and the throne shifted constantly. In 945, a chieftain called Blacair, son of Godfred, abandoned Dublin, and Amlaib, that is Olav Kvaaran, remained in his place. But Amlaib then went to Northumberland, and Blacair appeared again as king of the Foreigners, until he was killed in 948. No successor is known. In 950, a man called Ivar appears as Tanist of the Foreigners, and another chieftain of the Norsemen of Dublin was Godfred, son of Sitric. Ivar was killed in battle that same year, and Godfred was probably slain the next. Olav Kvaaran came back in 953 and again became king of Dublin. There are gaps where the names of the lords are not known, between 949 and 950, and between 951 and 953. A saga also mentions Sitric mac Turgeis and his brothers as lords of Dublin, names not found in the Annals, but there was likely a lord of Dublin called Sitric around the middle of the tenth century. In the winter of 941 to 942, Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks made his famous circuit of Ireland, described by a contemporary poet.

Viking descendants at Thurles: the Mac Auliffes

Thurles · town · Tipperary

Durlas, now Thurles in the county of Tipperary, had another fortress of the same name situated between Newmarket and the boundaries of Limerick and Kerry. It seems descendants of the Vikings lived in this district, the leading tribe bearing the name Mac Amhlaoibh, now Mac Auliffe, son of Olav.

Read the passage

Durhis^ now Thurles, a township in the county of Tipperary, barony of Eliogarty. Another fortress of the same name {Dun Durlais) was situated between Newmarket and the boundaries of the counties of Limerick and Kerry. It seems as if descendants of the vikings have also lived in this district, the leading tribe bearing the name oi Mac Amhlaoibh (now Mac AulifFe, i. e. the son of Olav). 2)
Ele. This was the name of a tribe, but w^as also applied to the territory inhabited by the tribe. It contained the whole of Ely O' Carroll, which belonged originally to Munster, but is now assigned to the King's County, and contains the baronies of Clonlisk and Ballybrit ; the baronies of Ikerrin and Eliogarty, now in the county of Tipperary, were also incluled in the ancient Ele. ^)

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 66

As the companion tells it

Coming through Thurles in Tipperary, you are in a district where descendants of the Vikings once lived. The leading tribe here bore the name Mac Amhlaoibh, now Mac Auliffe, meaning the son of Olav. There was another fortress of the same name, Dun Durlais, situated between Newmarket and the boundaries of Limerick and Kerry. The ancient territory called Ele covered this whole area, including Ely O'Carroll and the baronies of Ikerrin and Eliogarty.

Cashel held by Norsemen until 964

Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 964

According to Cogadh Gaedhel, Cashel of the Kings remained in the power of the Norsemen as late as the year 964, indicating long Viking control of this important Munster site.

Read the passage

Caiscl^ now Cashel in the county of Tipperary. According to Cogadh Gaedhel (p. 70), Cashel of the Kings was in the power of the Norsemen as late as in the year 964.
') Cogad Gaedhel, p. 30.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 65

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here lies Cashel of the Kings. According to the Cogadh Gaedhel, this place was still in the power of the Norsemen as late as 964, a sign of how long Viking control held over this key Munster site.

Clonmacnois plundered by Cellachan and the Munstermen

Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 936

The Annals of the Four Masters record that Clonmacnois was plundered in 936 by Cellachan and the men of Munster, an episode not mentioned in the saga itself.

Read the passage

Thus, it does not mention that Cellachan was carried away as a captive by king Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks on his celebrated circuit of Ireland, in the winter 941—942.^) Our Saga likewise does not mention that Clonmacnois was in the year 936 plundered by Cellachan and the menofMunster (Four Masters, A. D. 934). The Annals, on the other hand, know that Cellachan was a great warrior. According to the Annals of the Four Masters he in 937 (recte 939) made an expedition into Munster and went as for as Clonard. On this expedition »he had the foreigners along with him«, among whom the foreigners of Port Lairge (Waterford) are especially mentioned. We may conclude from this that our Saga is right when it states that Cellachan got the Vikingcolonies of southern Munster as far as AVaterford in his power. The present Saga likewise states that Cellachan and his men conquered Limerick. That this is right we can indirectly conclude from the Annals of the Four Masters which are to the effect that in the year 951 (recte 953) Clonmacnois was plundered by the men of Munster, and the Norsemen of Limerick along with them [co nGallatbh Luimnigh amaille friu).<-< A joint expedition of Munstermen and Vikings from Limerick would never have taken place, if Limerick had not been in some way dependant on the king of Munster.
The war between Cellachan and the people of Ossory is also known to the Annals of the Four Masters who tell (A. D. 938): »At great slaughter was made of the O.sraighi (i. e. the people of Ossory) by Cellachan, king of Cashel«. The battle of Cromad (Croom), where Cellachan defeated the Ui Cairbre ( § 25), is also known to the Annals (The Battle of Magh Rath, ed. O' Donovan, p. 340; Genealogical Table, showing the descent of the principal families sprung from Oiholl Olum, king of Munster, col. 2, n. 22).

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 1

Lochlainn, lord of Corca-Modhruaidh, and origin of O'Loughlins of Burren

Burren · townland · Clare · 983

According to the Four Masters, Lochlainn, lord of Corca-Modhruaidh, died in 983; he was the progenitor after whom the O'Loughlins of Burren, in Thomond, took their hereditary surname.

Read the passage

The name of Magnus (later Manus) is derived from 0(\2lx\q.- Tna.gne{Caro/i(s Afao-me^s). Several recurrences ofthe name are known from Limerick. Magnus Berna (i. e. Magnus the son of Bjarni), or » Magnus of Limerick« {Manus Lumnig)^ was slain in the year 968, in the battle of Sulcoit. ^) A few years later »Inis-Cathaig« (Scattery Island in the Shannon) was plundered by Magnus, son of Arait (^ O. N. Haraldr), with the Lagmanni of the Islands (i. e. the Hebrides).-) Dr. O" l^onovan is probably right in his suggestion that the name of Magiuis was first introduced into Ireland by the Norsemen. Loclilainn as a proper name must be a derivation of /,^^///fl«/^ (Old Ir. Lothlenn or Lothli7in)^ the common Irish name for Norway and the Scandinavian countries.^) According to the Four Masters, » Loclilainn, lord of Corca-Modhruaidh, died« A. D. 983. He w^as »the progenitor after whom the O' Lochlainns, or O' Loughlins of Burren, in Thomond, have taken their hereditary surname«. From this we see that Lochlainn as a personal name was in use in Munster in the loth century. The name became in later times very common.
In the next last line of the chapter the MS. has gu brach^ instead of the usual gu hrath (i e. to the day of judgment; for ever). Is this a Munster provincialism? In the

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 60

Munster host gathers for battle at Armagh

near Armagh · town · Armagh

Munster warriors and Norse forces converge for a great battle at Ard Macha (Armagh). The verse laments the losses among the champions of the Norsemen at this engagement.

Read the passage

Gia ro facsam Ard Mac/ia ro facsam ann lin catha [154 a., c. 1 1 re Ghaighealuibh da n-dith an;/, do treinfheraibh laechLochl^w;/.
A buidhi re Dia a claisdiw. A shloz^ Mum«;/ an ghaiscid. gxir denrgad gne gac/ia. ga ane a gcath Arda. Mac/ia.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 19

Munstermen cross Assaroe on the march north

Assaroe · waterfall · Donegal

The poem recounts that when the Munster host crossed Assaroe, messengers came northward from Muirchertach, the high-king of Cenel Conaill, bringing news of their advance.

Read the passage

When you crossed Assaroe, There came messengers northward, From Muirchertach — a great deed — , From the high-king of Cenel Conaill.
Although we left Armagh, We left there a full battalion Of champions of Norse heroes For the Gaels to destroy them.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 47

As the companion tells it

Assaroe is right here, the waterfall the Munster host crossed on their march north. When they crossed it, messengers came northward from Muirchertach, the high-king of Cenel Conaill, carrying word of their advance. The poem also says that though they left Armagh, they left behind a full battalion of Norse champions for the Gaels to destroy.

Armagh plundered by the Norsemen in 943

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 943

Ard Macha, the Height of Macha, is identified as the present city of Armagh, seat of the Successor of Patrick and one of the most holy places of Ireland. The town was plundered by the Norsemen in 943, meaning it could only have been briefly in their power when Cellachan was captured.

Read the passage

Ard Mac ha, »the Height of Macha«, i. e. the present city of Armagh, in Ulster, seat of »the Successor of Patrick«, and one of the most holy places of Ireland. The town was in the year 943 plundered by the Norsemen, and can at the time when Cellachan was captured only a few years have been in their power (Annals of Ulsters, A. D. 942, Four Masters, A. D. 941).
§ 44. We see from the poem printed in this chapter, that the Vikings of Dublin intended to sail with Cellachan to Norway (»eastwards to Lochlann«), if the Munster-men would not ransom him.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft

Ceallachan's Mother a Wife of the Co-arb of Cashel

Cashel · townland · Tipperary

Ceallachan sought the kingship at Cashel, where his mother lived as wife of the co-arb of Cashel, tying his claim to the royal seat directly to his maternal household there.

Read the passage

IS an//siy/ do eirig in caemhri curata cathbuadach cosantach do dichur na docr^^iti sSin 7 do chosnamh na crich re cathaibh 'Loch\an7iac/i .i. Ceallachan mac Buad«cZ'ai?z mez'c Lachtna meu Artghaile meu Shnedhgusa meu Donnghaile mei'c Fhaelghusa mczc Nathf^i^eich me/c Cholgan mci'c Failbhe mei'c Aedha duib meu Cr^^amthai/zd meu Feilimidh meu Aengusa meu Natfraeich m^eu Chuirc meic Lmgdec/i mei'c Oiliolla flann bic meu Fiach<a;z^muilleatha[i]n meic 'Eogai'n moir meu O'Aiolla oXuivi. Doigh o Airtri gu haird-Bhriain ni'r saerait cutr\& nait cricha na Myxman do reir scr/ptr« na ?>Q.Q\aige. acht a-nderna in colglaemdha Ceallachan da cosnamh. Or as e an f<5;' sin do bhi bliadhain CO leith ag iaraidh na Muma;z idir choill 7 chnoc 7 caeimghlenn. Idir linn 7 loch 7 lanabhuinn idir chuan 7 chaemhthraigh 7 cak^phort. idir lis 7 laechdhun 7 lethantuaith gach Lochlann^z^ ag \2ixaid dherce in gach &wn 7 caisced in gach cathraz^ cu bocht ara bhinncleircheacht 7 a thiagh brec ima bragait ag brath gachd. baili 7 ag deighiar^z'^ ga^//a dui// in;zus gu mbeith eolus a hiath 7 a hes 7 a hurchoilltedh aigi in uair doberis-^ air a crich do chosnamh co nar fhagaibh aenbhaiU brug^z'^ na bialtaigh an da coiced Myxman gan t^^all gu mbeith ainm gach2. baiU [148 b., c. i] 7 gac/za tuaithe 7 fis ga^/za flatha f^min/z aige. Ocus tainic ar n-ia.raid na crzch gu Caisiul or is an^z do bhi a mathaix 7 ba ben do co7;z<2rba Caisil in

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 2

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cashel, Ceallachan came seeking the kingship of Munster. He was the son of Buadachán, and his lineage runs back through Lachtna, Artghaile, Snedhgus, and Donnghaile, all the way to Aililla Flann Bec and Fiachach Muillethan. He spent a year and a half pursuing the kingship across Munster, through wood and hill and glen, through lake and shore and harbour, learning the name of every place and the knowledge of every territory so that when the time came to defend the land, he left no district unvisited. He came to Cashel because his mother lived here, and she was a wife of the co-arb of Cashel. That connection bound his claim to the royal seat directly to his own maternal household. The old text says he was "a year and a half seeking Munster," and it was through his mother's place at Cashel that his pursuit of the kingship found its anchor.

Cennedig hosts the Munster nobles overnight

near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

Cennedig, son of Lorcan, and the Dalcassian nobles arrived at Magh Adhar, and Cennedig entertained the assembled host that night.

Read the passage

48. Then they deliberated in council how to begin that hosting, and they settled to be a fortnight from that day at Magh Adhar, those of them who were on land, and those of them who were on sea to be at Bel Atha Laighin. Well, the day they had promised that their hosts should be at these places, they were there, as they had promised. This was the number that came to Magh Adhar, namely four battallions of equal size. And Cennedig, son of Lorcan, and the Dalcassian nobles also arrived there, and Cennedig entertained them that night.
49. When they arose the next morning, Cennedig said that he would go with them. Donnchad .said that they would not let him go wdth them under any conditions. »For it is in search of your king and for his defence that we go, and we will not take you with us, but

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 43

Cruachan, ancient palace of the kings of Connaught

near Rathcroghan · monument · Roscommon

Clár Cruachna, the plain of Cruachan, refers to Magh Naoi or Machaire Chonnacht in County Roscommon, where Cruachan, the ancient palace of the kings of Connaught, was situated, lying between Roscommon, Elphin, Castlereagh and Strokestown.

Read the passage

§ gi. Clar Cruachna^ »the plain of Cruachan«, i. e. the plain of Magh Naoi, or Machaire Chonnacht, in the county of Roscommon, in which Cruachan, the ancient palace of the kings of Connaught, was situated. It lies between the towns of Roscommon and Elphin, and Castlereagh and Strokestown (Topogr. Poems, n. 224).
clar Midhe^ i. e. the plain of Meath. atnmfhtnc = anbhfine »a hostile tribe « (Kuno Meyer).

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 82

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Rathcroghan stood Cruachan, the ancient palace of the kings of Connaught. It lay on the plain of Magh Naoi in County Roscommon, between Roscommon, Elphin, Castlereagh and Strokestown. The source passage gives only a gloss on a hostile tribe, so there is no story left to tell beyond the place itself.

Dundalk's true site: the moat of Castletown

Castletown · townland · Louth

The name Dundalk originally referred not to the modern town but to a great fortress a mile inland, now called the moat of Castletown. Dundalk served as a station for the Norse fleet along the Louth coast.

Read the passage

Dun n-Dcalgan^ i. e. the town Dundalk, in the county of Louth. The name of Dundalk was originally applied, not to the town, but to the great fortress now called the moat of Castletown, a mile inland (Joyce, Place-names, 4 ed., p. 2 7 8). The place-names as well as the Annals prove that the Norsemen had colonies all along the coast of the counties of Louth and Down. These colonies were dependencies of the kingdom of Dublin ; their rulers are called earls or chieftains (Steenstrup, Normannerne, pp. 115 — 118). Dundalk has been the station of the Norse fleet.
larla is the Irish form of the Norse iarl -an earl«.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 80

Fall of Flann of the Ui Luigdech at Traigh Baile

Dundalk · town · Louth

The lay laments that Flann, descendant of Lugaidh, though he slew the handsome Lochlannach in battle without treachery, met his own death and now lies in famous Traigh Baile.

Read the passage

of Luan (?), Should be in famous Traigh Baile, Though he cut off — without treachery — in the
battle The licad of the handsome (?) Lochlannach.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 49

Fan Connrach fort held by vikings near Waterford

Waterford · city · Waterford · 968

Cogadh Gaedhel mentions the battle of Fan Conrach, 'the Slope of C.', or Dún Fain Counrach, 'the Fort of C.', a place probably near Waterford where, in the year 968, vikings held a fort as descendants of Connra.

Read the passage

Counrach »the Fort ofC.«. Dr. Todd says in liis introduction (p. C'XXXIX) that this place was probably situated in the noii^dibourhood of the town of Waterford. Professor Kuno Mover remarks that Coniira might be written instead of Connrac/i, as Tcnira is used instead of the gen. TcmracJi. Wc see from Cogadh Gacdhel that in the yetirgyS »the Slope of Connrach- was in the possession of the vikings who had probably built a fort there {Dim Fain ConnracJi). From this I conclude that the descendants of Connra« have been lords of a hibernicised tribe of Norseman who had their stronghold at F'an Connrach.
As to Moraiin^ sec the notes to § i6 and to § 19. The poem (s^ 19) mentions two different chieftains of the name of Morann while one only is mentioned here. The name is Irish.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 60

Limerick Norsemen join Munstermen against Clonmacnois

Limerick · city · Limerick · 953

In 951 (recte 953) Clonmacnois was again plundered, this time by the men of Munster together with the Norsemen of Limerick, indicating Limerick's dependence on the king of Munster.

Read the passage

Thus, it does not mention that Cellachan was carried away as a captive by king Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks on his celebrated circuit of Ireland, in the winter 941—942.^) Our Saga likewise does not mention that Clonmacnois was in the year 936 plundered by Cellachan and the menofMunster (Four Masters, A. D. 934). The Annals, on the other hand, know that Cellachan was a great warrior. According to the Annals of the Four Masters he in 937 (recte 939) made an expedition into Munster and went as for as Clonard. On this expedition »he had the foreigners along with him«, among whom the foreigners of Port Lairge (Waterford) are especially mentioned. We may conclude from this that our Saga is right when it states that Cellachan got the Vikingcolonies of southern Munster as far as AVaterford in his power. The present Saga likewise states that Cellachan and his men conquered Limerick. That this is right we can indirectly conclude from the Annals of the Four Masters which are to the effect that in the year 951 (recte 953) Clonmacnois was plundered by the men of Munster, and the Norsemen of Limerick along with them [co nGallatbh Luimnigh amaille friu).<-< A joint expedition of Munstermen and Vikings from Limerick would never have taken place, if Limerick had not been in some way dependant on the king of Munster.
The war between Cellachan and the people of Ossory is also known to the Annals of the Four Masters who tell (A. D. 938): »At great slaughter was made of the O.sraighi (i. e. the people of Ossory) by Cellachan, king of Cashel«. The battle of Cromad (Croom), where Cellachan defeated the Ui Cairbre ( § 25), is also known to the Annals (The Battle of Magh Rath, ed. O' Donovan, p. 340; Genealogical Table, showing the descent of the principal families sprung from Oiholl Olum, king of Munster, col. 2, n. 22).

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 1

As the companion tells it

You are near Limerick now, a city with a Viking past. In 953 the great monastery of Clonmacnois was plundered by the men of Munster, and the Norsemen of Limerick marched along with them. The Annals of the Four Masters record that the foreigners of Limerick joined the raid, which tells us something important: Limerick's Norse settlers were by then under the sway of the king of Munster. A joint expedition of Munstermen and Limerick Vikings would not have happened otherwise. The saga of Cellachan of Cashel, a great warrior king, likewise claims he conquered Limerick itself. The annals support this in roundabout ways, showing him waging war across southern Ireland through the 930s and 940s, with Viking colonies from Waterford to Limerick caught up in his power. So as the road carries you through Limerick, you are passing through a place whose Norse rulers had already, by the middle of the 900s, been drawn into the wars of the Irish kings.

Munster raiding route from Dundalk to Dublin

Dundalk · town · Louth

The Munster forces plundered every district, burning every fort and homestead along their route from Dun Dealgan to Ath Cliath as they advanced on the Norse stronghold.

Read the passage

92. IS an/2 sin ro chuirset fir Mhuma// a ceanw sheda 7 aisdir 7 imthechta gu cu;//thach crodha ciallm<?r 7 ro creachsat gach crich 7 ro loicset gach lis 7 gach lanbaili tharla
54

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 27

Ninth-century Viking plundering of Kerry

Kerry · county · Kerry · 800–899

Ciarraige, the present county of Kerry, was several times in the ninth century plundered by the Vikings according to Cogadh Gaedhel.

Read the passage

§ 23. Ciarraigc^ i. c. the present county of Kerry. The country was several times in the ninth century plundered by the Vikings (cf Coghad Gaedhel, pp. 15, 19, 25, 29, 227, 229).
Glenn Corbratghi, now Glin, on the Shannon, in the county of Limerick. — Ui Conaill; this trib was otherwise called Ui Conaill Gabhra, and occupied the present barony of Connello, in the county of Limerick. Their king, Flannabra mac Ciarmacain, was the son of Ciarmacan, son of Flannabra Ua Dunadhaig, who died A. D. 901 (Four Masters).

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 68

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Kerry, the records tell us nothing of Viking raids here in this passage. What it does name is Glin on the Shannon in Limerick, home of the Ui Conaill, whose king Flannabra mac Ciarmacain was grandson of Flannabra Ua Dunadhaig, who died in 901.

Battle of Cromad (Croom) against the Ui Cairbre

Croom · town · Limerick · 934–954

Cellachan defeated the Ui Cairbre at the battle of Cromad, identified with Croom, an event also recorded in other annalistic sources such as the Battle of Magh Rath edition.

Read the passage

The war between Cellachan and the people of Ossory is also known to the Annals of the Four Masters who tell (A. D. 938): »At great slaughter was made of the O.sraighi (i. e. the people of Ossory) by Cellachan, king of Cashel«. The battle of Cromad (Croom), where Cellachan defeated the Ui Cairbre ( § 25), is also known to the Annals (The Battle of Magh Rath, ed. O' Donovan, p. 340; Genealogical Table, showing the descent of the principal families sprung from Oiholl Olum, king of Munster, col. 2, n. 22).
The Saga of Cellachan of Cashel has no doubt been composed by a man from Kerry, Cellachan's native country. This is the reason why the saga-teller does not mention those exploits which are not flattering to Cellachan. I feel also inclined to think that some of his victories are exaggerated. But that the foundation of the present work is historical, is beyond doubt.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 1

Call to Arms for the Assault on Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick

A war-poem urges the sons of Eogan to march to Limerick with Ceallachan to defend their territory and win the fight against the ships and warriors of the Norse stationed there.

Read the passage

Ticidh cu Luimner// na long, a damn 'Eogai'n na n-ardglonn. a tiwceall Cheall<^^//rt/>? ca.in. gu Luimn<?r// na cloch cengail.
Cosnaidh bhur crich dileas dil. a clainn OUioWa. i//muif/. ag cath 'Lmmmg na long luath. saeraid Mhumai/v na morthuath.

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

As you pass Limerick, you are near a city the old war-poems knew as a place of ships and stone. A poem called the sons of Eogan to march here with Ceallachan in the 900s, to defend their own territory against the Norse and free Munster.

Munster host arrives on the lawn of Dundalk

Dundalk · town · Louth

The lay describes the sight of the travel-stained but unbowed Munster host arriving upon the lawn of Dundalk, having pursued the Norsemen and their captive king.

Read the passage

It is sweet to see you to-day,
0 valiant host of Munster,

Internet Archive caithreimcellach00norsuoft, Chapter 47

Caithreim Cellachain Caisil : the victorious career of Cellachan of Cashel, or, The Wars between the Irishmen and the Norsemen in the middle of the 10th century

The stories, best first

Munster forces divide to besiege Ard Macha from four sides

Munster hosts assemble at Magh Adhar and Bel Atha Laighin

Sitric's wife declares her love for Ceallachán at Portlairge

Brian Boru's plundering and burning of Dublin after Glenmama

Ceallachán held captive at Dún Dealgan

Cellachan's death at Cashel

Crossing the streams of the Sligech beneath Ben Gulban

Donnchadh claims vanguard to avenge Cormac mac Cuilennain

Feasting at Cashel and the demand for Osraige tribute

Mor's lament recalling the battle at Port Lairge

Munster army burns the town after the naval battle

Norsemen ordered to bring Cellachan to Dundalk

Norse of Limerick Mock the Munster Demand

Plundering of Inis Cathaig by the Berserks

Rout of the Lochlannaigh through the middle of Ard Macha

Alliance and marriage with the Déisi

Battle of Armagh commemorated in verse

Battle preparations and slaughter of Norse warriors at Áth Cliath

Book of Lismore copied from lost Book of Monasterboice

Ceallachán resolves to hold Cashel with the sons of kings

Cellachan's release ordered from Armagh

Cormac mac Cuilennáin slain at the battle of Belach Mughna

Devastation of Sceilg Mhichíl by the sons of Turgeis

Election of Cellachán as king on a mound

Killing of the king of Eoganacht Locha Léin

March to Dún Dealgan via Sliabh Fuáit and Magh Muirtheimhne

Muirchertach's circuit brings hostage Sitric from Dublin

Munster Forces March on Limerick to Confront the Norse

New Norse settlers arrive at Cork under Ragnall

Norse garrison of Armagh and their leaders named

Raid on Scattery Island by Norsemen

Scattery Island plundered by Magnus son of Harald

Death of Conghal, king of Irrus

Waterford's fortified walls leapt by Cellachan

Arrival at royal Ess Ruaid and foraging Crich Conaill

Burning of Ard Fothaigh mBrenainn avenged

Cashel named as the seat of the Eoganacht kings

Cellachan's expedition to Clonard

Munster forces follow the coast to Tráigh Bhaile

Plundering of Aran by the king of Cold Lochlann

Shifting kingship of Dublin among Norse chieftains

Viking descendants at Thurles: the Mac Auliffes

Cashel held by Norsemen until 964

Clonmacnois plundered by Cellachan and the Munstermen

Lochlainn, lord of Corca-Modhruaidh, and origin of O'Loughlins of Burren

Munster host gathers for battle at Armagh

Munstermen cross Assaroe on the march north

Armagh plundered by the Norsemen in 943

Ceallachan's Mother a Wife of the Co-arb of Cashel

Cennedig hosts the Munster nobles overnight

Cruachan, ancient palace of the kings of Connaught

Dundalk's true site: the moat of Castletown

Fall of Flann of the Ui Luigdech at Traigh Baile

Fan Connrach fort held by vikings near Waterford

Limerick Norsemen join Munstermen against Clonmacnois

Munster raiding route from Dundalk to Dublin

Ninth-century Viking plundering of Kerry

Battle of Cromad (Croom) against the Ui Cairbre

Call to Arms for the Assault on Limerick

Munster host arrives on the lawn of Dundalk