Medieval Ireland. An Encyclopedia

KINGS AND KINGSHIP

See alsoClare, de; Lionel of Clarence; Marshal;
Ormond-Butler; Osraige; Parliament; Urban
Administration

KINGS AND KINGSHIP
Medieval Ireland was marked by the existence of doz-
ens of kingdoms, each ruled by a king who in the early
medieval period was technically the highest nobleman
in the túath. Most kings were subject to over kings, who
were the policy-makers of the time. They based their
authority over other lords and kings on ties of blood
relationship and alliance. The integrity of such alliances
partially depended on the power and personal qualities
of the over king. The ruling kindreds of the Irish king-
doms were often caught between the forces of internal
division and outward stability. The rule of inheritance

and succession stimulated competition among relatives

and expansion by the kindred’s branches. Yet it also

gave the kindred as a whole a measure of stability and

flexibility, as the kindred hardly ever died out in the

male line. Several royal dynasties remained in control

of an area for many centuries.

Historical Roots

The historical roots of Irish kingship are still debated.

It has been argued that pagan sacral kings, who ruled

over tribes, were replaced by aristocratic kings, who

ruled over kindreds in the period of the coming of

Christianity and the rise of expansionist dynasties.

The most ancient collective names are those only

found in the plural (such as Laigin and Ulaid), and

Ireland circa 1100.

NORTHERN UÍ NÉILL

Cenél

Conaill

Ciannachta

Uí Thui ́rtre

ULAID

Dál nAraide

Cenél Moen

Fir Lurg

Cairpre Fir Manach

AIRGIALLA

Cenél

FeredaigAirthir

Cenél nEógain

Dál

Fiatach

Uí Echach

Coba

Fernmag

Machaire

Gaileng

Brega

Ta r a

Fine

GallDublin

Uí

Fáeláin

Uí Dúnchada

Uí

Failge

Uí Muiredaig Uí Máil

LAIGIN

Uí

Bairrche

Uí

Chennselaig

Wexford

Déise Muman Waterford

Fothairt

Eile

Osraige

Loíges

Delbna

Ethra

Tethba

Síl Muiredaig Lóegaire

Uí Briuin

Mag

Luirg

Luigne

Uí

Fiachrach

Muaide

Gailenga

Fir Umaill

Larchonnacht

Uí

Fiachrach

Aidne

Corco

Mruad

Dál Cais

Uí

Chairpre

Limerick

Corca Duibhne

Eóganachi

Locha Léin

Corco

Loígde

Cenél

Lóegaire

Eóganacht

Glenndamna

DESMUMU

Uí Maine

Síl

nAnmchada

MIDE

CONNACHT

TUADMUMU

BREIFNE

Cork