Cíarraige facts for kids

The Ciarraige were an important group of people in ancient Ireland. They lived a long time ago, during the early historic era. Their name tells us a lot about them!

Who Were the Ciarraige?

The name Ciarraige means "the people of Ciar." Ciar was a son of Fergus, who was a king of Ulster. After some events led Ciar to leave the court of Cruachan, he traveled to Munster. There, he found land for the first group of Ciarraige. He named this area Ciarraige Luachra.

Where Did the Ciarraige Live?

The Ciarraige people were spread out across many parts of Ireland. Here are some of the main groups:

• Ciarraige Luachra: This group was very important. They gave their name to what is now County Kerry.
• Ciarraige Altraige: These people lived near Tralee, in the northwest part of County Kerry.
• Ciarraige Cuirche: You could find this group in the barony of Kerrycurrihy, which is south of Cork city.
• Ciarraige Sleibe Cua: This group lived in what is now County Waterford.
• Ciarraige Maige Glas: They lived in the northeast part of Maigh Ai, in an area called Moylurg, in northern County Roscommon.
• Ciarraige Aí: This group was based on the plain of Magh nAi in County Roscommon.
• Ciarraige Loch Airned: They lived around a place called Loch Airned, which is now Mannin Lake in County Mayo. This was close to the Roscommon border.

Famous Ciarraige People

• St Brendan the Navigator: A very famous saint and explorer.

See also

• Conmhaícne