Óenach
Encyclopedia
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 law
s were pronounced and confirmed.
The most notable fair, that held under the auspices of the High King of Ireland
and the Uí Néill
, was the Óenach Tailten, which is given prehistoric origins by medieval writers. This was held at Teltown, in modern County Meath
, as late as 1770. The compilers of the Irish annals
considered violence and disorders at this óenach, or the failure of the incumbent High King to hold the fair, to be of note.
Other important assemblies included that of Tlachtga
, held on the Hill of Ward
at Samhain
, that of Carman
, held in County Wexford
, and that of Uisnech
, held at Beltane
. Not all had such pagan associations. The Óenach Colmáin, probably held at Lynally, was named for Saint Elo Colman
.
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
which combined features of the popular assembly
Popular assembly
A popular or people's assembly is a gathering called to address issues of importance to participants. Assemblies tend to be freely open to participation and operate by direct democracy...
and fair
Fair
A fair or fayre is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated carnival or funfair entertainment. It is normally of the essence of a fair that it is temporary; some last only an afternoon while others may ten weeks. ...
. As well as the entertainment, the óenach was an occasion on which kings and notables met under truce and where law
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
s were pronounced and confirmed.
The most notable fair, that held under the auspices of the 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...
and 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....
, was the Óenach Tailten, which is given prehistoric origins by medieval writers. This was held at Teltown, in modern County Meath
County Meath
County Meath 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 ancient Kingdom of Mide . Meath County Council is the local authority for the county...
, as late as 1770. The compilers of the 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...
considered violence and disorders at this óenach, or the failure of the incumbent High King to hold the fair, to be of note.
Other important assemblies included that of Tlachtga
Tlachtga
Tlachtga is the name of a powerful druidess from Irish mythology and a festival celebrated in her honor in early Ireland.Tlachtga was the daughter of Mug Ruith, a druid from Irish legend. She accompanied him on his world travels, learning his magical secrets and discovering sacred stones in Italy...
, held on the Hill of Ward
Hill of Ward
The Hill of Ward, also known as the Hill of Tlachtga, is a hill in County Meath, Ireland. During medieval times it was the site of great festivals, including one at which winter fires were lit at Samhain, the precursor of the modern Halloween...
at Samhain
Samhain
Samhain is a Gaelic harvest festival held on October 31–November 1. It was linked to festivals held around the same time in other Celtic cultures, and was popularised as the "Celtic New Year" from the late 19th century, following Sir John Rhys and Sir James Frazer...
, that of Carman
Carman
In Irish mythology, Carman or Carmun was a warrior-woman and sorceress from Athens who tried to invade Ireland in the days of the Tuatha Dé Danann, along with her three sons, Dub , Dother and Dian...
, held in 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 that of Uisnech
Uisnech
The Hill of Uisneach, or Ushnagh, also Uisnech , formerly regarded as the centre of Ireland, is a historical site in County Westmeath . The 182 metre hill lies on the north side of the R390 road, 8 km east of the village of Ballymore, beside the village of Loughanavally...
, held at Beltane
Beltane
Beltane or Beltaine is the anglicised spelling of Old Irish Beltaine or Beltine , the Gaelic name for either the month of May or the festival that takes place on the first day of May.Bealtaine was historically a Gaelic festival celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.Bealtaine...
. Not all had such pagan associations. The Óenach Colmáin, probably held at Lynally, was named for Saint Elo Colman
Elo Colman
Saint Colmán Elo was born in Glenelly, Ireland in what is now County Tyrone. He is famed in Irish hagiography.Colmán was founder and first Abbot of Muckamore, and from the fact of being titled as the successor of Mac Nisse", is regarded as Bishop of Connor.Colmán studied under his maternal...
.