Uí Néill

Uí Néill claimed primacy amongst Irish kings (symbolized by the kingship of Tara), while ruling over much of the northern half of Ireland between the 7th century and the 11th. They are some of the most extensively documented early medieval European kings, but the evidence—in contrast to that for counterparts elsewhere—is primarily found in a myriad of short texts of unknown authorship and often dubious date. Allied to the lack of research on early Irish history, this means that we know relatively little about the dynasty. They identified themselves as descendants of Niall Noígiallach and ultimately of Conn Cétchathach. Early texts refer to the Uí Néill as Moccu Cuind or Dál Cuinn (descendants of Conn), and undated traditions identify Niall as brother of the forebears of the Connachta.

Their original homeland is unknown: the arguments of Eoin MacNeill and F. J. Byrne for Connacht, possibly Sligo, are now more widely accepted than those of T. F. O'Rahilly who believed they stemmed from Goidelic invaders of Meath. The extent of Uí Néill territories is first indicated in 7th‐century sources, by which stage Lóegaire mac Néill (said to be a 5th‐century figure) is claimed to have been king of Tara (see high kingship), while his brothers Conall (Cremthainne) and Coirpre are associated with the area of Teltown, Co. Meath, Fíachu with Uisnech, Co. Westmeath, and Conall (Gulban) with Barnesmore Gap, Co. Donegal.

Later literary traditions state that three sons of Niall, Eógan, Conall Gulban, and Énna, conquered Donegal in the 5th century. Their descendants (Cenél nEógain, Cenél Conaill, Cenél nÉnnai) form the group known to modern historians as the northern Uí Néill.

More obscure sons of Niall, Coirpre, Maine, and Fíachu, are credited with conquering West‐meath and Longford from the Laigin in the 5th century, but the later rulers of the southern Uí Néill (Síl nÁedo Sláine in Meath, Clann Cholmáin in Westmeath) claimed descent from Diarmait mac Cerbaill, a great‐grandson of Niall through Conall Cremthainne. In ostensibly 6th‐century annals, dated linguistically to the 9th, Diarmait is described as a king of Ireland who fought the northern Uí Néill at Cúl Dreimne (near Benbulben, Co. Sligo). This division between northern and southern Uí Néill mirrors developments from the 8th century and later, when Clann Cholmáin and Cenél nEógain each sought to dominate the high kingship.

The lack of detailed research on the Uí Néill has fostered the convention of depicting them as a unified force. In the annals, however, attention is focused more on infighting between the various branches than on concerted action. The evidence suggests the primary goal was for regional power; Cenél nEógain dynasts fought Ulaid, Cruthin, and Airgialla as well as the Cenél Conaill before seeking the Tara kingship. Similarly, Síl nÁedo Sláine and Clann Cholmáin candidates had to gain victories over Laigin, Munster kingdoms and each other. Domination of all Uí Néill territory by a single ruler was rarely if ever achieved.

Bibliography

Byrne, F. J. , Irish Kings and High‐Kings (1973)

Catherine Swift