Brighid Nic Gearailt facts for kids

Brighid Nic Gearailt (born around 1589 – died between 1661 and 1682) was an important Irish poet and a noblewoman. She lived a long time ago, during the 1600s.

Who Was Brighid Nic Gearailt?

Brighid Nic Gearailt was also known as Brighid Chill Dara, which means Brighid of Kildare. She was the daughter of Henry FitzGerald, 12th Earl of Kildare, a powerful Irish leader. Her mother was Lady Frances Howard.

When Brighid's father passed away in 1597, she went to live with her grandmother, Mabel Browne, Countess of Kildare. They lived in a place called Maynooth.

Brighid's Marriages and Family

Around the age of fourteen, Brighid married Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell. He was an important Irish Earl.

Their son, Hugh O'Donnell, 2nd Earl of Tyrconnell, was born in Maynooth in 1606. Hugh became an Earl when his father died in 1608.

The Flight of the Earls

In 1607, Brighid's husband, Rory, had to leave Ireland. This event is known as the Flight of the Earls. Many Irish leaders left Ireland because of problems with the English government. Rory took their son with him.

Brighid was expecting another baby at the time. Rory wanted her to join him in Europe, but the English authorities stopped her. Brighid went to England instead. Her daughter, Mary Stuart O'Donnell, was born there.

Sadly, Rory died in Rome in 1608. After his death, Mary was looked after by the King of England. Brighid was sent back to Ireland.

Later, Brighid married Nicholas Barnewall, 1st Viscount Barnewall. He was from County Dublin. Brighid and Nicholas had nine children together.

Brighid's Poetry

Brighid was a talented writer. She wrote poems in the Irish language. Only one of her poems has survived until today. It is a beautiful poem written in a classic style from around 1607.