This article lists the rulers of Tyrconnell (Irish: Tír Ċonaıll), a medieval Irish kingdom which covered much of what is now County Donegal. Unless otherwise stated, all dates before 1752 are given in the Gregorian calendar, which was used by Irish chroniclers.
Oral history It was founded in the fifth century by a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, Conall Gulban, of whom the Cenél Conaill are descended. They ruled the kingdom until the Flight of the Earls in September 1607, which marked the end of the kingdom.
Early Chiefs of Cenél Conaill
Conall Gulban mac Néill (died 464) ....... Ninnid mac Dauach (flourished 544-563) Ainmuire mac Sétnai (died 569) Báetán mac Ninneda (died 586). Áed mac Ainmuirech (died 598) Conall Cú mac Áedo (died 604) Máel Coba mac Áedo (died 615) Domnall mac Áedo (died 642) Conall Cóel mac Máele Coba (died 654) Cellach mac Máele Coba (died 658) ...... Loingsech mac Óengusso (died 703) Congal Cennmagair mac Fergusa (died 710) Flaithbertach mac Loingsig (died 765) Áed Muinderg mac Flaithbertaig (died 747) Loingsech mac Flaithbertaig (died 754) Murchad mac Flaithbertaig (died 767) Domnall mac Áeda Muindeirg (died 804) Máel Bresail mac Murchada (died 819) Ruaidrí ua Canannáin (died 950)
13th century – 17th century O'Donnell clan chiefs were inaugurated with a traditional ceremony. Under brehon law, the title of clan chief could only be transferred by abdication or the death of the current clan chief. Despite this, many of the following individuals took power by force by imprisoning or overpowering the current clan chief, effectively becoming the ruler of Tyrconnell. +IllustrationNameReignClaimLife detailsEgneghan MacDaly1201 – 12071207Donall Mor MacEgneghan O'Donnell1207 – 1241Son of Eneas1241Ó hUiginn 2016, p. 104.Melaghlin O'Donnell1241 – 1247Son of Donall Mor1247Gofraid O'Donnell1247 – 1257died 1257: Gofraid, King of Tyrconnell, died in 1257.Donal Oge O'Donnell1257 – 1281Son of Donall MorSimms (2001) p. 14 tab. ii; McKenna (1946) p. 40. – 1281Hugh O'Donnell1281 – 1290Son of Donal Oge1333Turlough O'Donnell1290 – 1303Son of Donal Oge1303Hugh O'Donnellbegan 1303Son of Donal OgeConnor O'Donnell1333 – 1342Son of HughNiall Maelsechlainn Donnchadh Garbh O'Donnell1342 – 1348Son of HughAonghus O'Donnell1348 – 1352Son of ConnorFelim O'Donnell1352 – 1356Son of HughSeaán O'Donnell1356 – 1380Son of ConnorNeal Garbh O'Donnellended 1380Son of Hugh1380Turlough-an-Fhina O'Donnell1380 – 1422Son of Neal Garbh1422Niall Garve O'Donnell1422 – 1439Son of Turlough-an-Fhina1439Naughton O'Donnell1439 – 16 May 1452Son of Turlough-an-Fhina – 16 May 1452 (aged 59–60): Naghtan, son of Turlough-an-Fhina, was sixty years of age when he was killed on the night of the festival of St. Brendan in 1452; : Niall Garve died in 1439.The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (19 February 2024). "St. Brendan". Encyclopedia Britannica. Archived from the original on 9 July 2024. The festival of St. Brendan takes place on 16 May.Hugh Roe O'Donnell I – 11 July 1505Son of Niall Garve – 11 July 1505(aged 78)Hugh Duff O'Donnell11 July 1505 – 5 July 1537The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (29 March 2024). "Manus O'Donnell". Encyclopedia Britannica. Archived from the original on 3 September 2024.Son of Hugh Roe I5 July 1537Manus O'Donnell5 July 1537 – 1555Son of Hugh Duff1490 – 9 February 1563 (aged 72–73) Imprisoned and deposed by his son Calvagh in 1555; Died during imprisonment in Lifford.: born in 1490; : died on 9 February 1563; : died on 9 February 1563.Calvagh O'Donnell1555 – 26 October 1566Son of Manus – 26 October 1566 (aged 50–51) Seized power in 1555: Calvagh, son of Manus, died on 26 October 1566; : died on 26 October 1566; : Calvagh seized power in 1555.Hugh McManus O'Donnell26 October 1566 – 3 May 1592Son of Manus – 7 November 1600(aged 79–80) Seized power in 1561 with Calvagh's imprisonment. Became senile in his later years and abdicated.: Hugh McManus became chief upon Calvagh's death in 1566, and he abdicated on 3 May 1592; : Calvagh died on 26 October 1566; : Hugh McManus died on 7 November 1600; : other biographical details.Hugh Roe O'Donnell II3 May 1592 – 9 September 1602Son of Hugh McManusOctober 1572 – 9 September 1602(aged 29) Senior confederate commander in the Nine Years' War. Died in Simancas whilst seeking Spanish reinforcements.Niall Garbh O'Donnell1603 – 1626Grandson of Calvagh – 1626(aged 57) Fought for the Crown during the Nine Years' War. Traditionally inaugurated but challenged by Rory. Arrested for instigating O'Doherty's rebellion and sent to the Tower of London for life in 1609.Rory O'Donnell1602 – 1608Son of Hugh McManus1575 – 28 July 1608(aged 32–33) Elevated as Earl of Tyrconnell by King James on 4 September 1603. Took part in the Flight of the Earls. Died in Rome of fever.: Rory was never inaugurated; : Biographical details.
References
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Sources Primary sources
Secondary sources
Further reading
Annals of Ulster University College Cork Annals of Tigernach University College Cork Byrne, Francis John (2001), Irish Kings and High-Kings, Dublin: Four Courts Press, Charles-Edwards, T. M. (2000), Early Christian Ireland, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Mac Niocaill, Gearoid (1972), Ireland before the Vikings, Dublin: Gill and Macmillan