Daniel O'Brien, 3rd Viscount Clare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel O'Brien
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| Viscount Clare | |
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| Tenure | 1670–1691 |
| Successor | Daniel, 4th Viscount Clare |
| Died | 1691 |
| Spouse(s) | Philadelphia Lennart |
| Issue Detail |
Daniel, Charles & others |
| Father | Connor, 2nd Viscount Clare |
| Mother | Honora O'Brien |
Daniel O'Brien, 3rd Viscount Clare (died 1691) was an important Irish nobleman. He lived during a time of big changes in England and Ireland. He supported King Charles II when he was in exile. Later, he helped King Charles II get his family's lands and titles back.
When the Glorious Revolution happened, Daniel O'Brien chose to support King James II. He even fought for James II in the Battle of the Boyne. Because of this, he was declared an enemy of the new government.
Contents
Birth and Family Background
Daniel O'Brien was born around 1620. He probably grew up at Carrigaholt Castle in County Clare, Ireland. He was the only son of Connor O'Brien and Honora O'Brien. His father later became the 2nd Viscount Clare.
His family, the O'Briens, was a very old and powerful Irish family. They were descendants of Brian Boru, a famous medieval high king of Ireland. This means Daniel came from a long line of important leaders.
Early Life and Exile
Daniel grew up during a very difficult time in Irish history. He lived through the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. He likely fought alongside his father and grandfather during these conflicts.
After the wars, Daniel went into exile in France with his father and grandfather. They were part of the court of King Charles II, who was also in exile at the time. When King Charles II was able to return to England in 1660, Daniel and his family returned too.
In 1662, King Charles II gave Daniel's grandfather the title of Viscount Clare. This was a special honor meant for Daniel and his family. When his grandfather and then his father passed away, Daniel became the 3rd Viscount Clare in 1670.
Marriage and Children
Daniel O'Brien married a woman named Philadelphia Lennard. She was the sister of Thomas, Earl of Sussex.
Daniel and Philadelphia had three children:
- Honora O'Brien
- Daniel (died 1693): He became the 4th Viscount Clare but died young and unmarried while in exile in France.
- Charles (1673–1706): He became the 5th Viscount Clare. He was a soldier and died from injuries he received during the Battle of Ramillies while fighting for the French army.
Military and Political Roles
After becoming the 3rd Viscount Clare, Daniel continued to be involved in military and political life. In 1674, he was put in charge of a new Irish army regiment called Clare's Regiment of Foot. This regiment served in the Dutch States Army.
In 1689, he was a member of the House of Lords in the Patriot Parliament in Ireland. This parliament was called by King James II.
During the War of the Two Kings (also known as the Williamite War in Ireland), Daniel O'Brien strongly supported King James II. He led his own cavalry regiment, known as Clare's Dragoons. He fought against William of Orange at the famous Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
He was also made a joint governor of Cork city by King James II. He was involved in holding Protestants in the city captive during this time. After the war, he went into exile in France as part of the Flight of the Wild Geese. This was when many Irish soldiers and nobles left Ireland to serve in foreign armies.
Death
Daniel O'Brien died in 1691. Because he supported King James II, he was declared an outlaw by the new government on May 11, 1691.
