Domhnall of Islay facts for kids

Domhnall Mac Domhnaill (died around 1318), also known as Domhnall of Islay, was an important Scottish nobleman in the 1300s. He was likely a member of a powerful family called Clann Domhnaill. We first hear about Domhnall in the early 1300s, and he seems to have died around 1318. Records suggest that Domhnall wanted to be, and perhaps was, the leader of Clann Domhnaill.

Who Was Domhnall's Family?

It's not completely clear who Domhnall's parents were. He might have been a son of Aonghus Mór mac Domhnaill. If so, he would have been the younger brother of Alasdair Óg of Islay and an older brother of Aonghus Óg of Islay.

Another idea is that Domhnall was a cousin to Aonghus Mór's sons. This would mean his father was Aonghus Mór's younger brother, Alasdair Mór. It's also possible that Domhnall was a son of Alasdair Óg or Aonghus Óg.

Old family records don't clearly say that Aonghus Mór or Alasdair Óg had a son named Domhnall. However, one old book from the 1400s, called National Library of Scotland Advocates' 72.1.1, says that Alasdair Mór had a son named Domhnall. Domhnall also seems to have had a brother named Gofraidh. Alasdair Óg is known to have had a son by this name, but Alasdair Mór is not.

Domhnall in History Books

Historians have found a few mentions of Domhnall in old writings. These mentions help us understand his possible role in Scottish history.

Fighting in Galloway (1308)

In 1308, Edward Bruce, the brother of King Robert I, led a military campaign in a region called Galloway. Old books like the Chronicle of Lanercost and the Bruce tell us about this time.

One book, Gesta Annalia II, says that a person called 'Domhnall of the Isles' led an army from Galloway. This army was defeated by Edward Bruce near the River Dee, and their leader was captured. This 'Domhnall' might have been Domhnall Mac Domhnaill himself, or it could have been another person named Dubhghall Mac Dubhghaill.

Another old book, Scotichronicon, also talks about this battle. It says 'Domhnall of the Isles' led the Galloway forces. But then, it includes a poem that says a 'Domhnall of Islay' was actually an ally of Edward Bruce. This makes things a bit confusing! It's possible that the 'Domhnall' who helped Edward Bruce was Domhnall Mac Domhnaill. The 'Domhnall' who fought against Edward Bruce might have been a different person, Domhnall Mac Cana, who usually supported the English.

The Chronicle of Lanercost says that Edward Bruce's army included men from the Isles. This suggests that Domhnall and the Islesmen might have been on Edward Bruce's side, not against him.

At King Robert I's Parliament (1309)

Domhnall was present at Robert I, King of Scotland's first parliament in St Andrews in March 1309. His name is listed right after Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill as someone who witnessed a letter sent from the parliament to the King of France. If Domhnall was captured by Edward Bruce in 1308, his presence at this parliament could mean he later joined forces with King Robert.

Witnessing a Royal Document (1308–1314)

Domhnall also witnessed a special document (a charter) from King Robert to Melrose Abbey. This document doesn't have an exact date, but it was likely written between 1308 and 1314, possibly in March 1309.

Clann Domhnaill and Power Struggles

The historical records about Domhnall suggest that he was trying to become the chief of Clann Domhnaill, or that he already held that important position.

At some point, perhaps around 1306, 1308, 1314, or 1315, the English king asked Eóin Mac Dubhghaill to make peace with Domhnall, his brother Gofraidh, and another man named Eóin Mac Neacail. This shows that Domhnall was an important figure.

If these English records are from 1315, it means that the leadership of Clann Domhnaill was divided when Edward Bruce began his invasion of Ireland. King Robert I also took his fleet across the Tarbert land bridge in Scotland around this time. An old poem, the Bruce, says that the Islesmen were sad about this because of an old prophecy. The prophecy said that whoever could sail their ships across this land would rule the Isles forever. It's likely that King Robert met with different leaders of Clann Domhnaill during his visit to get their support.

Although we don't have any specific documents from King Robert giving land to Domhnall, it's very likely he received some. It's possible he gained control of much of the Clann Domhnaill lands in Islay and Kintyre. We know that Aonghus Óg received land in Lochaber, and another Alasdair of the Isles received the islands of Mull and Tiree.

These land grants to Aonghus Óg and Alasdair of the Isles suggest they were also competing for the chiefship of Clann Domhnaill. Domhnall's presence at King Robert's parliament in 1309 also shows he was a rival leader within the family. The Bruce poem also mentions that when King Robert fled to Dunaverty Castle in 1306, he was worried about betrayal. While the poem says Aonghus Óg helped the king, it's possible that Domhnall was the one who offered protection at a Clann Domhnaill castle like Dunyvaig Castle.

Death in Ireland (1318)

An old English history book from the 1300s, called the continuation of the Annales of Nicholas Trevet, mentions Domhnall. If this book is correct, Domhnall likely died in 1318. He was serving in Edward Bruce's campaign in Ireland, possibly at the Battle of Faughart.