Áed Oirdnide mac Néill
Encyclopedia
Áed mac Néill (ˈaið mak niːˈəl), commonly called Áed Oirdnide, was King of Ailech. A member of the Cenél nEógain
dynasty of the northern Uí Néill
, he was the son of Niall Frossach
. Like his father, Áed was reckoned High King of Ireland
. He was King of Ailech from 788 onwards and High King of Ireland from 797.
Extant Irish annals
are ultimately derived from the now-lost Chronicle of Ireland
which was probably being compiled in the midlands of Ireland by around 800. All include material derived from other sources, or added at a later date. The Annals of Ulster
and the Annals of Innisfallen cover the years around 800. The Annals of Clonmacnoise
survive only in an eccentric 17th century English translation, and the Annals of Tigernach
for this period are lost with Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh
's abbreviated copy known as the Chronicon Scotorum
supplying only part of the missing material. The Annals of the Four Masters
are late, and include some material of doubtful origin. While the annals provide a considerable amount of information, they are generally terse, and most focus their attention on the doings of the Uí Néill
and of churchmen.
In addition to the annals, a large number of genealogies survive along with geographical and legal texts, poetry, sagas and hagiography.
Learned works from the 8th century onwards divided Ireland into two halves namely Leth Cuinn north of the Esker Riada
and Leth Moga south of it. More lastingly, most sources recognised the provinces of Ireland
, called cóiced or fifths. Four of the provinces survive today, Ulster
, Leinster
, Munster
and Connacht
. The missing fifth province may have been Mide in the midlands of Ireland. While early medieval Munster and Connacht resembled their modern equivalents in extent, the province of Ulster, or Ulaid
, by around 800 consisted of not much more than modern County Antrim
and County Down
, while Leinster, or Laigin, consisted of modern County Carlow
, County
, County Wexford
and County Wicklow
and parts of the surrounds. The remainder, which is to say most of Ulster and the north of Leinster, formed the kingdoms of the Uí Néill, their subjects and clients.
It is estimated that there were 150 tuath
s (singular tuath, the word is often translated as tribe) in Ireland in early medieval times. The average tuath was small, perhaps 500 square kilometres in area with a population of some three to four thousand. In principle, each tuath had its own king and court and bishop, but real power rested with the provincial over-kings and their like.
Niall Frossach, Áed's father, was a king more noted for his religious devotion than for his warlike exploits, this in complete contrast with his older brother Áed Allán
. Niall is reckoned to have become King of Tara or High King of Ireland some time after the death of Domnall Midi
of the southern Uí Néill dynasty of Clann Cholmáin
in 763. Little is recorded of his reign and he either abdicated or was deposed as overking of the Uí Néill and as king of Ailech, perhaps in 771, certainly to the benefit of Donnchad Midi, his predecessor's son. Niall died in 778 on Iona
, where he may have been in exile. The Banshenchas
("Lore of Women") records Áed's mother's name. She was Dúnflaith, daughter of Flaithbertach mac Loingsig
of the Cenél Conaill
branch of the Uí Néill. The Annals of Ulster
place her death in 799. Niall Frossach had several other sons.
Niall was not succeeded as king of Ailech and leader of Cenél nEógain by one of his several sons but by a nephew, Máel Dúin
, son of Áed Allán. However, unlike Niall, Máel Dúin appears not to have been the chief ruler among the northern Uí Néill. Instead, Donnchad Midi appears to have supported the rival Cenél Conaill in the person of Domnall
, grandson of Flaithbertach mac Loingsig
, who is styled rí ind Fochlai—king of the North, that is of the northern Uí Néill and their clients—even at his death in 804.
The conflict between Cenél nEógain and Cenél Conaill for the leading role in the north appears to have turned on control over the lands of the minor Cenél nEndai branch of the Uí Néill which lay around Raphoe
. Communications between the northern and southern branches of Cenél Conaill, respectively based on the north-west coast of Donergal and in the south around Donegal
town, ran through these. While Cenél nEndai were clients or allies of Cenél Conaill, as they had been before Áed Allán defeated Flaithbertach mac Loingsig
in the 730s, Cenél Conaill had the upper hand, and provided kings of Tara and kings of the North. By the death of Niall Frossach, if not earlier, Cenél nEndai were again under the sway of Cenél Conaill.
The region was still disputed in 787 when Máel Dúin defeated Domnall and appears to have gained some recognition as king of the North as he is so styled at his death the following year. Áed succeeded Máel Dúin as king of Ailech, but was challenged by Domnall whom he defeated at the battle of Clóitech (modern Clady, County Tyrone
) in 789. This appears to have been the final attempt by kings of Cenél Conaill to regain control of the lands around Raphoe which had been seized by Cenél nEógain.
The annals record a battle in 791 at Tailtiu
, site of a major Uí Néill oenach
, the oenach Tailten. The summoning of this gathering was one of the prerogatives of the High King at which he would demonstrate his power and standing. Whether Áed brought an army south to disturb the oenach, or whether the conflict was provoked by Donnchad, is unknown. The outcome was that Áed fled from Tailtiu and was pursued perhaps as far as Slane
. Several of Áed's allies are said to have been killed including the kings of two branches of Uí Chremthainn, an Airgíalla dynasty whose lands lay around Clogher
and Clones
.
It is on this occasion that the Chronicle of Ireland
calls Áed Áed Ingor, Áed the Unfilial or Áed the Undutiful, the only byname used in early sources. It is generally supposed that this refers to his conflict with his father-in-law Donnchad Midi, although the term mac ingor, a term from early Irish law, usually refers to the undutiful son who does not support his biological father. Whatever the origin of the name may have been, it is plainly not flattering.
In 794 Áed is recorded as campaigning against the Mugdorna Maigen at a time when Donnchad was involved in war with Munster
. The lands of Mugdorna Maigen lay around the upper reaches of the river Fane
, with the chief church at Donaghmoyne, County Monaghan
. Although reckoned one of the nine tribes of the Airgíalla, the Mugdorna were clients of the southern Síl nÁedo Sláine
branch of the Uí Néill rather than of Áed's Cenél nEógain dynasty like most of the Airgíalla.
of Clann Cholmáin Bicc, at Druim Ríg (modern Drumree
) in south Brega. A poem in the Annals of Ulster portrays this as vengeance for the death of Áed's uncle Áed Allán at the hands of Donnchad's father Domnall Midi
at the battle of Seredmag in 743. Some time later in 797 Áed devastated Mide and the Annals of Ulster take this to mark the beginning of his reign.
In 802 Muiredach, king of Mide, died. He was the last of Donnchad Midi's known brothers. Áed led an army south to Mide where he divided the lands of Clann Cholmáin between two of Donnchad's sons, Ailill and Conchobar
. If this was intended to reduce the power of potential rivals, it proved ineffective. Ailill and Conchobar met in battle in 803 at Rath Conaill (near modern Mullingar
). Ailill was killed leaving Conchobar as sole king of Mide.
In 804 Áed turned his attention towards Leinster
and devastated the area twice in one month. That same year Fínsnechta Cethardec
(died 808), King of Leinster, submitted to him. However Áed was not satisfied with this and in 805 he made a hosting to Dún Cuair and installed Muiredach mac Ruadrach
(died 829) and Muiredach mac Brain (died 818) as joint kings of Leinster. Finsnechta took refuge with Muirgius mac Tommaltaig
(died 815), the King of Connacht, who then aided him in recovering his throne in 806.
In 808 Conchobar of Meath made a bid for the high kingship and was joined by King Muirgius of Connacht. They advanced as far as the assembly grounds of Tailtiu but on the appearance of Aed's army the allies dispersed. Áed pursued them and burned the borders of Mide In 808 or 809 Áed again attacked Leinster but was defeated on the banks of the Liffey.
In 809 Áed campaigned against Ulaid
and defeated them ravaging from the Bann to Strangford Lough. The motive for this conflict was apparently the killing of Dúnchú, superior of the monastery of Tulach Léis (now Tullylisk near Banbridge
, County Down
), by the Ulaid. In 815 one of Áed's brothers, Colmán mac Néill, was killed by the Cenél Conaill. and Áed led an expedition against them in revenge.
In 818 Áed again assembled his forces at Dún Cuair and attacked Leinster, dividing Leinster between his two candidates who were unable to retain their position. That same year the vice abbot of Cell Mór Enir (modern Kilmore, County Armagh
) was killed by the Laigin. As a result Áed led another expedition versus Leinster and laid waste the land of Cualu as far as Glenn dá Locha (Glendalough
).
In 819 Áed died near Áth dá Ferta in the territory of Conaille Muirtheimne in modern County Louth
.
, at which the clergy were freed from military obligations by Áed. It is possible that this was the assembly at which Áed was ordained as king. In 806 Áed had the law of Saint Patrick
promulgated.
In 811 the fair of Tailtiu was prevented from being held by Áed due to a boycott by the clergy who were protesting an offense made against the community of Tallaght during Áed's campaign against Leinster in 809. Áed made amends to the community. The campaigns of Áed versus Ulaid in 809 and Leinster in 819 were part of Áed's desire to pose as champion of the church.
Áed had some difficulty with the Columban church as well when Mael Dúin son of Cenn Faelad, superior of Ráith Both (Raphoe) was killed in 817. The Columban church went to Tara to excommunicate Áed that year. This event probably had something to do with his campaign versus the Cenél Conaill in 815. Also in 818 Cuanu, abbot of Lugmad Louth), went into exile into the lands of Munster with the shrine of Saint Mochtae fleeing before Áed.
Cenél nEógain
Cenél nEóġain is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Eógan mac Néill , son of Niall Noígiallach who founded the kingdom of Tír Eoghain in the 5th century...
dynasty of the northern Uí Néill
Uí Néill
The Uí Néill are Irish and Scottish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noigiallach , an historical King of Tara who died about 405....
, he was the son of Niall Frossach
Niall Frossach
Niall Frossach was an 8th century Irish king of Ailech, sometimes considered to have been High King of Ireland. Brother of high king Áed Allán , Niall was the son of high king Fergal mac Máele Dúin and a member of the Cenél nEógain, a branch of the Northern Uí Néill...
. Like his father, Áed was reckoned High King of Ireland
High King of Ireland
The High Kings of Ireland were sometimes historical and sometimes legendary figures who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over the whole of Ireland. Medieval and early modern Irish literature portrays an almost unbroken sequence of High Kings, ruling from Tara over a hierarchy of...
. He was King of Ailech from 788 onwards and High King of Ireland from 797.
Nature of the sources
A large body of contemporary and near-contemporary material on early medieval Ireland has survived. From the titles of works mentioned in these sources, it is clear that a great deal of additional material has now been lost. The surviving materials usually exist in the form of much later copies, and it is only from comparison of the various texts that the original documents can be reconstructed.Extant Irish annals
Irish annals
A number of Irish annals were compiled up to and shortly after the end of Gaelic Ireland in the 17th century.Annals were originally a means by which monks determined the yearly chronology of feast days...
are ultimately derived from the now-lost Chronicle of Ireland
Chronicle of Ireland
The Chronicle of Ireland is the modern name for a hypothesized collection of ecclesiastical annals recording events in Ireland from 432 to 911 AD....
which was probably being compiled in the midlands of Ireland by around 800. All include material derived from other sources, or added at a later date. The Annals of Ulster
Annals of Ulster
The Annals of Ulster are annals of medieval Ireland. The entries span the years between AD 431 to AD 1540. The entries up to AD 1489 were compiled in the late 15th century by the scribe Ruaidhrí Ó Luinín, under his patron Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa on the island of Belle Isle on Lough Erne in the...
and the Annals of Innisfallen cover the years around 800. The Annals of Clonmacnoise
Annals of Clonmacnoise
The Annals of Clonmacnoise are an early 17th-century Early Modern English translation of a lost Irish chronicle, which covered events in Ireland from pre-history to A.D. 1408...
survive only in an eccentric 17th century English translation, and the Annals of Tigernach
Annals of Tigernach
The Annals of Tigernach is a chronicle probably originating in Clonmacnoise, Ireland. The language is a mixture of Latin and Old and Middle Irish....
for this period are lost with Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh
Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh
Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh, also known as Dubhaltach Óg mac Giolla Íosa Mór mac Dubhaltach Mór Mac Fhirbhisigh, Duald Mac Firbis, Dudly Ferbisie, and Dualdus Firbissius was an Irish scribe, translator, historian and genealogist...
's abbreviated copy known as the Chronicon Scotorum
Chronicon Scotorum
Chronicon Scotorum is a medieval Irish chronicle.According to Nollaig Ó Muraíle, it is "a collection of annals belonging to the 'Clonmacnoise group', covering the period from prehistoric times to 1150 but with some gaps, closely related to the 'Annals of Tigernach'...
supplying only part of the missing material. The Annals of the Four Masters
Annals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
are late, and include some material of doubtful origin. While the annals provide a considerable amount of information, they are generally terse, and most focus their attention on the doings of the Uí Néill
Uí Néill
The Uí Néill are Irish and Scottish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noigiallach , an historical King of Tara who died about 405....
and of churchmen.
In addition to the annals, a large number of genealogies survive along with geographical and legal texts, poetry, sagas and hagiography.
Origins and background
Esker Riada
Esker Riada, , is a system of ridges that stretch across the middle of Ireland, between Dublin and Galway.-Geography:The Esker Riada is a collection of eskers, that passes through the counties of Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Westmeath, Offaly, Roscommon and Galway...
and Leth Moga south of it. More lastingly, most sources recognised the provinces of Ireland
Provinces of Ireland
Ireland has historically been divided into four provinces: Leinster, Ulster, Munster and Connacht. The Irish word for this territorial division, cúige, literally meaning "fifth part", indicates that there were once five; the fifth province, Meath, was incorporated into Leinster, with parts going to...
, called cóiced or fifths. Four of the provinces survive today, Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
, Leinster
Leinster
Leinster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the east of Ireland. It comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Mide, Osraige and Leinster. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the historic fifths of Leinster and Mide gradually merged, mainly due to the impact of the Pale, which straddled...
, Munster
Munster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
and Connacht
Connacht
Connacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
. The missing fifth province may have been Mide in the midlands of Ireland. While early medieval Munster and Connacht resembled their modern equivalents in extent, the province of Ulster, or Ulaid
Ulaid
The Ulaid or Ulaidh were a people of early Ireland who gave their name to the modern province of Ulster...
, by around 800 consisted of not much more than modern County Antrim
County Antrim
County Antrim is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland, situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland. Adjoined to the north-east shore of Lough Neagh, the county covers an area of 2,844 km², with a population of approximately 616,000...
and County Down
County Down
-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
, while Leinster, or Laigin, consisted of modern County Carlow
County Carlow
County Carlow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Carlow, which lies on the River Barrow. Carlow County Council is the local authority for the county...
, County
County
A county is a jurisdiction of local government in certain modern nations. Historically in mainland Europe, the original French term, comté, and its equivalents in other languages denoted a jurisdiction under the sovereignty of a count A county is a jurisdiction of local government in certain...
, County Wexford
County Wexford
County Wexford is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wexford. In pre-Norman times it was part of the Kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig, whose capital was at Ferns. Wexford County Council is the local...
and County Wicklow
County Wicklow
County Wicklow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wicklow, which derives from the Old Norse name Víkingalág or Wykynlo. Wicklow County Council is the local authority for the county...
and parts of the surrounds. The remainder, which is to say most of Ulster and the north of Leinster, formed the kingdoms of the Uí Néill, their subjects and clients.
It is estimated that there were 150 tuath
Tuath
Túath is an Old Irish word, often translated as "people" or "nation". It is cognate with the Welsh and Breton tud , and with the Germanic þeudō ....
s (singular tuath, the word is often translated as tribe) in Ireland in early medieval times. The average tuath was small, perhaps 500 square kilometres in area with a population of some three to four thousand. In principle, each tuath had its own king and court and bishop, but real power rested with the provincial over-kings and their like.
Niall Frossach, Áed's father, was a king more noted for his religious devotion than for his warlike exploits, this in complete contrast with his older brother Áed Allán
Áed Allán
Áed Allán was an 8th century Irish king of Ailech and High King of Ireland. Áed Allán was the son of Fergal mac Máele Dúin and a member of the Cenél nEógain, a branch of the Northern Uí Néill....
. Niall is reckoned to have become King of Tara or High King of Ireland some time after the death of Domnall Midi
Domnall Midi
Domhnall Mac Murchada , called Domnall Midi , was High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Clann Cholmáin branch of the Uí Néill...
of the southern Uí Néill dynasty of Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin is the name of the dynasty descended from Colmán Mór , son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Part of the Southern Uí Néill — they were the kings of Mide — they traced their descent to Niall Noígiallach and his son Conall Cremthainne.Related dynasties descended through Conall...
in 763. Little is recorded of his reign and he either abdicated or was deposed as overking of the Uí Néill and as king of Ailech, perhaps in 771, certainly to the benefit of Donnchad Midi, his predecessor's son. Niall died in 778 on Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
, where he may have been in exile. The Banshenchas
Banshenchas
An Banshenchas is a medieval text which collects brief descriptions of prominent women in Irish legend into a poetic narrative....
("Lore of Women") records Áed's mother's name. She was Dúnflaith, daughter of Flaithbertach mac Loingsig
Flaithbertach mac Loingsig
Flaithbertach mac Loingsig was a High King of Ireland. He was a member of the Cenél Conaill, a branch of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of Loingsech mac Óengusso , a previous high king...
of the Cenél Conaill
Cenél Conaill
The Cenél Conaill is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Conall Gulban, son of Niall Noígiallach defined by oral and recorded history. They were also known in Scotland as the Kindred of Saint Columba....
branch of the Uí Néill. The Annals of Ulster
Annals of Ulster
The Annals of Ulster are annals of medieval Ireland. The entries span the years between AD 431 to AD 1540. The entries up to AD 1489 were compiled in the late 15th century by the scribe Ruaidhrí Ó Luinín, under his patron Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa on the island of Belle Isle on Lough Erne in the...
place her death in 799. Niall Frossach had several other sons.
Niall was not succeeded as king of Ailech and leader of Cenél nEógain by one of his several sons but by a nephew, Máel Dúin
Máel Dúin mac Áedo Alláin
Máel Dúin mac Áedo Alláin was a King of Ailech and head of the Cenél nEógain branch of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of Áed Allán , a high king of Ireland. He ruled from 770 to 788....
, son of Áed Allán. However, unlike Niall, Máel Dúin appears not to have been the chief ruler among the northern Uí Néill. Instead, Donnchad Midi appears to have supported the rival Cenél Conaill in the person of Domnall
Domnall mac Áeda Muindeirg
Domnall mac Áeda Muindeirg was a chief of the Cenél Conaill of the northern Uí Néill in modern County Donegal and sometimes styled "King of the North". He was the son of Áed Muinderg and grandson of the high king Flaithbertach mac Loingsig .During the eighth century the Cenél Conaill vied with...
, grandson of Flaithbertach mac Loingsig
Flaithbertach mac Loingsig
Flaithbertach mac Loingsig was a High King of Ireland. He was a member of the Cenél Conaill, a branch of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of Loingsech mac Óengusso , a previous high king...
, who is styled rí ind Fochlai—king of the North, that is of the northern Uí Néill and their clients—even at his death in 804.
King of Ailech
Raphoe
Raphoe is a town in County Donegal, part of the province of Ulster in Ireland. It is the main town in the fertile district of East Donegal known as the Laggan, as well as giving its name to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raphoe and the Church of Ireland Diocese of Derry and Raphoe.-Name:Raphoe,...
. Communications between the northern and southern branches of Cenél Conaill, respectively based on the north-west coast of Donergal and in the south around Donegal
Donegal
Donegal or Donegal Town is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. Its name, which was historically written in English as Dunnagall or Dunagall, translates from Irish as "stronghold of the foreigners" ....
town, ran through these. While Cenél nEndai were clients or allies of Cenél Conaill, as they had been before Áed Allán defeated Flaithbertach mac Loingsig
Flaithbertach mac Loingsig
Flaithbertach mac Loingsig was a High King of Ireland. He was a member of the Cenél Conaill, a branch of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of Loingsech mac Óengusso , a previous high king...
in the 730s, Cenél Conaill had the upper hand, and provided kings of Tara and kings of the North. By the death of Niall Frossach, if not earlier, Cenél nEndai were again under the sway of Cenél Conaill.
The region was still disputed in 787 when Máel Dúin defeated Domnall and appears to have gained some recognition as king of the North as he is so styled at his death the following year. Áed succeeded Máel Dúin as king of Ailech, but was challenged by Domnall whom he defeated at the battle of Clóitech (modern Clady, County Tyrone
Clady, County Tyrone
Clady is a small village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, about 4 miles from Strabane, on the River Finn and the border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 423 people. In 1842 the population was 176...
) in 789. This appears to have been the final attempt by kings of Cenél Conaill to regain control of the lands around Raphoe which had been seized by Cenél nEógain.
The annals record a battle in 791 at Tailtiu
Tailtiu
Tailtiu or Tailltiu is the name of a presumed goddess from Irish mythology. Telltown in County Meath, was named for her.-In Irish mythology:...
, site of a major Uí Néill oenach
Óenach
The Óenach, usually translated fair or assembly, was an annual gathering in Ireland which combined features of the popular assembly and fair. As well as the entertainment, the óenach was an occasion on which kings and notables met under truce and where laws were pronounced and confirmed.The most...
, the oenach Tailten. The summoning of this gathering was one of the prerogatives of the High King at which he would demonstrate his power and standing. Whether Áed brought an army south to disturb the oenach, or whether the conflict was provoked by Donnchad, is unknown. The outcome was that Áed fled from Tailtiu and was pursued perhaps as far as Slane
Slane
Slane is a village in County Meath, in Ireland. The village stands on a steep hillside on the left bank of the River Boyne at the intersection of the N2 and the N51 . In 2006 Slane's population was 1,099, having grown from 823 in 2002. The population of the village and the surrounding rural area...
. Several of Áed's allies are said to have been killed including the kings of two branches of Uí Chremthainn, an Airgíalla dynasty whose lands lay around Clogher
Clogher
Clogher is a village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It lies on the River Blackwater, south of Omagh. The United Kingdom Census of 2001 recorded a population of 309.-History:...
and Clones
Clones
Clones is a small town in western County Monaghan, in the 'border area' of the Republic of Ireland. The area is part of the Border Region, earmarked for economic development by the Irish Government due to its currently below-average economic situation...
.
It is on this occasion that the Chronicle of Ireland
Chronicle of Ireland
The Chronicle of Ireland is the modern name for a hypothesized collection of ecclesiastical annals recording events in Ireland from 432 to 911 AD....
calls Áed Áed Ingor, Áed the Unfilial or Áed the Undutiful, the only byname used in early sources. It is generally supposed that this refers to his conflict with his father-in-law Donnchad Midi, although the term mac ingor, a term from early Irish law, usually refers to the undutiful son who does not support his biological father. Whatever the origin of the name may have been, it is plainly not flattering.
In 794 Áed is recorded as campaigning against the Mugdorna Maigen at a time when Donnchad was involved in war with Munster
Munster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
. The lands of Mugdorna Maigen lay around the upper reaches of the river Fane
River Fane
The River Fane is a river originating in Lough Ross on the border of County Monaghan and County Armagh. It then flows east towards Dundalk Bay, straddling the border between Counties Monaghan, Louth and Armagh flowing through Inniskeen, Knockbridge, Tallanstown before meeting Dundalk Bay near...
, with the chief church at Donaghmoyne, County Monaghan
County Monaghan
County Monaghan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Monaghan. Monaghan County Council is the local authority for the county...
. Although reckoned one of the nine tribes of the Airgíalla, the Mugdorna were clients of the southern Síl nÁedo Sláine
Síl nÁedo Sláine
Síl nÁedo Sláine is the name of the descendants of Áed Sláine , son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Part of the Southern Uí Néill—they were the kings of Brega—they claimed descent from Niall Noígiallach and his son Conall Cremthainne....
branch of the Uí Néill rather than of Áed's Cenél nEógain dynasty like most of the Airgíalla.
King of Tara
Although Donnchad's authority waned in the last decade of his life, he remained the dominant figure until his death on 6 February 797. Following Donnchad's death, Áed moved to ensure that he would be recognised as king of Tara. He defeated two of Donnchad's brothers, Diarmait and Fínsnechta, along another Fínsnechta, a son of Fallomon mac Con CongaltFallomon mac Con Congalt
Fallomon mac Con Congalt , also written Follaman mac Con Congelt, was King of Mide, a kingdom of the Uí Néill in central Ireland in modern County Westmeath and County Meath.-Background:...
of Clann Cholmáin Bicc, at Druim Ríg (modern Drumree
Drumree
Drumree is a settled area in south County Meath, Ireland, south of Dunsany and approximately from Dublin city centre. The next nearest settlement was the hamlet at Dunsany Cross Roads....
) in south Brega. A poem in the Annals of Ulster portrays this as vengeance for the death of Áed's uncle Áed Allán at the hands of Donnchad's father Domnall Midi
Domnall Midi
Domhnall Mac Murchada , called Domnall Midi , was High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Clann Cholmáin branch of the Uí Néill...
at the battle of Seredmag in 743. Some time later in 797 Áed devastated Mide and the Annals of Ulster take this to mark the beginning of his reign.
In 802 Muiredach, king of Mide, died. He was the last of Donnchad Midi's known brothers. Áed led an army south to Mide where he divided the lands of Clann Cholmáin between two of Donnchad's sons, Ailill and Conchobar
Conchobar mac Donnchada
Conchobar mac Donnchada was High-King of Ireland with opposition between 819 and 833. Conchobar was the son of Donnchad Midi, high-king of Ireland ; his mother was Fuirseach, a noblewoman of the Dál nAraidi. Conchobar married Land, daughter of the former High-King Áed Oirdnide...
. If this was intended to reduce the power of potential rivals, it proved ineffective. Ailill and Conchobar met in battle in 803 at Rath Conaill (near modern Mullingar
Mullingar
Mullingar is the county town of County Westmeath in Ireland. The Counties of Meath and Westmeath Act of 1542, proclaimed Westmeath a county, separating it from Meath. Mullingar became the administrative centre for County Westmeath...
). Ailill was killed leaving Conchobar as sole king of Mide.
In 804 Áed turned his attention towards Leinster
Leinster
Leinster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the east of Ireland. It comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Mide, Osraige and Leinster. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the historic fifths of Leinster and Mide gradually merged, mainly due to the impact of the Pale, which straddled...
and devastated the area twice in one month. That same year Fínsnechta Cethardec
Fínsnechta Cethardec
Finsnechta Cethardec mac Cellaig was a King of Leinster of the Uí Dúnchada sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. He was the son of Cellach mac Dúnchada , a previous king. He ruled from 795 to 808...
(died 808), King of Leinster, submitted to him. However Áed was not satisfied with this and in 805 he made a hosting to Dún Cuair and installed Muiredach mac Ruadrach
Muiredach mac Ruadrach
Muiredach mac Ruadrach was a King of Leinster of the Uí Fáeláin sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. This sept had their royal seat at Naas in the eastern part of the Liffey plain, Airthir Liphi. He was the son of Ruaidrí mac Fáeláin , a previous king...
(died 829) and Muiredach mac Brain (died 818) as joint kings of Leinster. Finsnechta took refuge with Muirgius mac Tommaltaig
Muirgius mac Tommaltaig
Muirgius mac Tommaltaig was a King of Connacht from the Uí Briúin branch of the Connachta. He was the great-grandson of Indrechtach mac Muiredaig Muillethan , a previous king. The death of his father Tommaltach mac Murgail is recorded in the annals where he is called king of Mag nAi. Muirgius...
(died 815), the King of Connacht, who then aided him in recovering his throne in 806.
In 808 Conchobar of Meath made a bid for the high kingship and was joined by King Muirgius of Connacht. They advanced as far as the assembly grounds of Tailtiu but on the appearance of Aed's army the allies dispersed. Áed pursued them and burned the borders of Mide In 808 or 809 Áed again attacked Leinster but was defeated on the banks of the Liffey.
In 809 Áed campaigned against Ulaid
Ulaid
The Ulaid or Ulaidh were a people of early Ireland who gave their name to the modern province of Ulster...
and defeated them ravaging from the Bann to Strangford Lough. The motive for this conflict was apparently the killing of Dúnchú, superior of the monastery of Tulach Léis (now Tullylisk near Banbridge
Banbridge
Banbridge is a town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the River Bann and the A1 road. It was named after a bridge built over the Bann in 1712. The town grew as a coaching stop on the road from Belfast to Dublin and thrived from Irish linen manufacturing...
, County Down
County Down
-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
), by the Ulaid. In 815 one of Áed's brothers, Colmán mac Néill, was killed by the Cenél Conaill. and Áed led an expedition against them in revenge.
In 818 Áed again assembled his forces at Dún Cuair and attacked Leinster, dividing Leinster between his two candidates who were unable to retain their position. That same year the vice abbot of Cell Mór Enir (modern Kilmore, County Armagh
Kilmore, County Armagh
Kilmore or Killmore is a small village and townland in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It lies 2.5 miles north of Richhill and within the Armagh City and District Council area. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 111 people....
) was killed by the Laigin. As a result Áed led another expedition versus Leinster and laid waste the land of Cualu as far as Glenn dá Locha (Glendalough
Glendalough
Glendalough or Glendaloch is a glacial valley in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is renowned for its Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, a hermit priest, and partly destroyed in 1398 by English troops....
).
In 819 Áed died near Áth dá Ferta in the territory of Conaille Muirtheimne in modern County Louth
County Louth
County Louth is a county of Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Louth. Louth County Council is the local authority for the county...
.
Church Relations
In 804 a meeting of the synods of the Uí Néill in Dún Cuair was presided over by Condmach mac Duib dá Leithe (died 807), abbot of Ard Macha ArmaghArmagh
Armagh is a large settlement in Northern Ireland, and the county town of County Armagh. It is a site of historical importance for both Celtic paganism and Christianity and is the seat, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland, of the Archbishop of Armagh...
, at which the clergy were freed from military obligations by Áed. It is possible that this was the assembly at which Áed was ordained as king. In 806 Áed had the law of Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick was a Romano-Briton and Christian missionary, who is the most generally recognized patron saint of Ireland or the Apostle of Ireland, although Brigid of Kildare and Colmcille are also formally patron saints....
promulgated.
In 811 the fair of Tailtiu was prevented from being held by Áed due to a boycott by the clergy who were protesting an offense made against the community of Tallaght during Áed's campaign against Leinster in 809. Áed made amends to the community. The campaigns of Áed versus Ulaid in 809 and Leinster in 819 were part of Áed's desire to pose as champion of the church.
Áed had some difficulty with the Columban church as well when Mael Dúin son of Cenn Faelad, superior of Ráith Both (Raphoe) was killed in 817. The Columban church went to Tara to excommunicate Áed that year. This event probably had something to do with his campaign versus the Cenél Conaill in 815. Also in 818 Cuanu, abbot of Lugmad Louth), went into exile into the lands of Munster with the shrine of Saint Mochtae fleeing before Áed.