Colla mac Báirid facts for kids

Colla mac Báirid, also known as Colla ua Báirid, was a powerful Viking leader. He was the king of Limerick in the early 900s. We know about him from old historical writings called "annals." He first shows up in these records in 924. He was leading a group of ships on a raid to Lough Ree. Colla is mentioned again in 932, when the records say he died. In both mentions, he is called the king of Limerick. We're not completely sure who his parents were. Some historians think he was related to Bárid mac Ímair, a Viking king from Dublin. Others believe he was the son of Bárid mac Oitir.

Limerick's Viking History

Vikings first set up a camp in Limerick around 845. It's not clear if this was a permanent home right away. Over time, this camp grew into the city we know today.

In 922, a Viking leader from Limerick named Tomrair mac Ailchi led attacks. He raided churches and islands along the River Shannon. He also raided other parts of Ireland. This might have been an effort to make Limerick independent. This happened after the death of Ragnall ua Ímair, a powerful Viking king.

In 924, Gofraid ua Ímair, the king of the Dublin Vikings, attacked Limerick. However, Tomrair mac Ailchi's forces fought back strongly. Gofraid lost many of his men in this battle.

Colla's Time as King

Colla mac Báirid is first mentioned in Irish records in 924. These records include the Annals of the Four Masters and the Chronicon Scotorum. In these writings, Colla is called the lord or king of Limerick. He led a fleet of ships to Lough Ree. There, Colla and his men killed Echtigern mac Flannchad, who was a local king.

Colla is mentioned for the second and last time in 932. The Chronicon Scotorum describes his death. In this record, he is called Colla ua Báirid. This means "Colla grandson of Báirid." In 924, he was called Colla mac Báirid, meaning "Colla son of Báirid." Historians believe these two names refer to the same person. It's possible one was a mistake in the old records.

Who Was Colla's Family?

There are two main ideas about who Colla mac Báirid's family was.

Theory One: Dublin Connection

The first idea is that Colla was the son or grandson of Bárid mac Ímair. Bárid mac Ímair was a king of Dublin. If this is true, it would mean Limerick was part of the powerful Uí Ímair Viking family. This family controlled many areas in Ireland and beyond.

Theory Two: Other Viking Ties

The second idea suggests that Colla was the son of Bárid mac Oitir. This Bárid mac Oitir fought against Ragnall ua Ímair in a naval battle in 914. Bárid mac Oitir himself might have been the son of an Otir who fought alongside Ragnall ua Ímair in a big battle in 918. Many historians think this second idea is more likely. It fits better with the timeline and the political situation in Ireland at that time.