Art MacBaron O'Neill facts for kids

Art MacBaron O'Neill (Irish: Art mac Baron Ó Néill) was an important Irish landowner and soldier. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He is sometimes called Arthur O'Neill. He passed away in 1618.

Who Was Art MacBaron O'Neill?

Art MacBaron O'Neill was part of the famous O'Neill dynasty from Ulster, a region in Ireland. He was the son of Matthew O'Neill, 1st Baron Dungannon. His middle name, "MacBaron," meant "son of the Baron." It showed who his father was.

His Early Life and Family

Art had several half-brothers, including Brian O'Neill, Cormac MacBaron O'Neill, and the very powerful Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. Art ruled over an area called Oneilland, which was south of a large lake called Lough Neagh. Unlike many of his relatives, Art could speak English very well.

Fighting for His Land

Art O'Neill fought alongside his brother Hugh during a big conflict known as Tyrone's Rebellion (1594-1603). This was a long fight against the English forces. Even though they faced many defeats, including the burning of their main town, Dungannon, they eventually reached a peace agreement.

This agreement was called the Treaty of Mellifont. It allowed them to regain favor with the new King, James I. Art and his brothers were forgiven for their actions during the rebellion. They also got their lands back. Art MacBaron O'Neill died in the year 1618.

His Children and Legacy

Art O'Neill had nine sons. One of his sons was Owen Roe O'Neill, who became a famous mercenary (a soldier who fights for money). Owen Roe served in the Spanish Army for many years. He later returned to Ireland during the Irish Confederate Wars.

Six of Art's other sons died during Tyrone's Rebellion. Another son, Brian O'Neill, died in 1607. The two remaining sons also became soldiers in the Spanish Army.