Connachta facts for kids

The Connachta were a powerful group of families in ancient Ireland. They lived during the medieval period. These families believed they were related to a famous legendary ruler named Conn Cétchathach.

The western part of Ireland, known today as the province of Connacht, gets its name from them. In Irish, Connacht is Cúige Chonnacht, which means "the fifth part of the Connachta." At different times, their lands also included parts of southern and western Ulster and northern Leinster. Their main ancient home was Cruachan, which is now Rathcroghan in County Roscommon.

Early peoples and kingdoms of Ireland around the year 800.

Who Were the Connachta?

Long ago, Ireland was divided into five main parts, often called "fifths" or provinces. These parts were home to different groups of people. The Connachta were one of these important groups.

Around the 4th century AD, the Connachta families grew stronger. They started to expand their lands to the north and east. This changed the old five-part system of Ireland.

Famous Ancestors

Medieval Irish stories say that the Connachta families came from the sons of a king named Eochaid Mugmedon. He had four or five sons. The most important sons were Brion, Fiachrae, Ailill, and Niall of the Nine Hostages.

• The families from Brion were called the Uí Briúin.
• The families from Fiachrae were called the Uí Fiachrach.
• The families from Ailill were called the Uí Ailello (later replaced by the Uí Maine).

These three groups were known as the "Three Connachta" of the province.

Niall's descendants, called the Uí Néill, became very powerful. They even took over the title of High King of Ireland at Tara. The Uí Néill were the strongest family in Ireland for many centuries.

Some other groups, like the Airgíalla and the Uí Maine, were also considered part of the Connachta. Even if their family connections were a bit different, they were still seen as part of this large family group for over a thousand years.

The Connachta in Ancient Stories

The Connachta families are famous from old Irish tales, especially the Ulster Cycle. In these stories, the Connachta are led by their king Ailill mac Máta and his strong queen Medb. They are often shown as enemies of the Ulaid people, who are ruled by King Conchobar mac Nessa.

Many stories tell about the wars between the Connachta and the Ulaid. The most famous one is the Táin Bó Cúailnge, which means "the cattle raid of Cooley." These stories are usually set around the time of Christ.

However, there's a small puzzle: the Connachta are supposedly named after Conn Cétchathach, who lived much later, in the 2nd century AD. Historians believe these old stories are actually older than the timelines created by monks. It's possible the Ulster Cycle is based on real wars between the Ulaid and the Connachta that happened long ago.

Connachta Family Tree

See also

• Kings of Connacht
• Síol Muireadaigh
• Cenél Conaill
• Cenél nEógain
• Irish nobility
• Irish royal families