Domnall Mór Ua Briain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Domnall Mór Ua Briain |
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Tomb in St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick
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| King of Thomond | |
| Reign | 1168-1194 |
| Coronation | 1168 |
| Predecessor | Muirchertach mac Toirdelbhach Ua Briain |
| Successor | Muirchertach Dall macDomnaill Mór |
| King of Munster | |
| Reign | 1168-1194 |
| Coronation | 1168 |
| Predecessor | Muirchertach mac Toirdelbhach Ua Briain |
| King of Limerick | |
| Reign | 1168-1194 |
| Coronation | 1168 |
| Predecessor | Muirchertach mac Toirdelbhach Ua Briain |
| Died | 1194 |
| Burial | The Cathedral of Saint Mary Blessed Virgin, Limerick |
| Spouse | Orlacan Ní Murchada |
| Issue |
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| House | House of Ua Briain |
| Father | Toirdhealbhach mac Diarmada Ua Briain |
| Mother | Sadb MacGillapatrick |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Domnall Mór Ua Briain was an important king in Ireland during the 1100s. He ruled the area known as Thomond from 1168 to 1194. He was also known as the King of Limerick. His family, the O'Brien dynasty, had held power in Limerick since the 900s. Domnall Mór means "Donall the Great," and he certainly lived up to his name!
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Becoming King of Thomond
Domnall Mór was the third son of Toirdhealbhach mac Diarmada Ua Briain, who was also a King of Munster. Domnall became king in 1168 after his older brother, Muirchertach, passed away. Muirchertach had taken over from their father.
Soon after becoming king, Domnall faced challenges. In 1169, he had a conflict with Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, who was the High King of Ireland. Domnall had to pay Ruaidrí 300 cows as a tribute.
Fighting the Normans
In 1171, Domnall Mór met with King Henry II of England at Cashel. He agreed to accept Henry's authority. However, Domnall continued to bravely fight against the Norman invaders who were trying to take over parts of southwest Ireland.
In 1175, Domnall won a big battle against the Normans at Thurles. This victory helped him become even stronger. He also managed to drive the Normans out of Limerick in 1176. By 1178, he had also pushed out the Uí Fidgenti, who were old rulers of the County Limerick area.
Later Years and Achievements
In 1184, some of Domnall's lands were given to Philip de Braose, an English lord. Philip tried to take Limerick, but he turned back before reaching the city. In 1185, when Prince John of England came to Ireland, Domnall Mór defeated the Normans again. This happened when John was raiding along the River Suir.
Domnall Mór also helped the people of Connacht in 1188. They fought against Jean de Courcy in the Curlew Mountains. In 1193, the Normans attacked Clare and Domnall's lands in Ossory in return.
Domnall Mór was also a supporter of the church. He helped establish two important monasteries:
- Holy Cross Abbey in 1180
- Kilcooly Abbey in 1184
Both of these were for the Cistercian order of monks.
Domnall Mór Ua Briain passed away in 1194. He is believed to be buried in St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick, a church that he helped to organize. An old stone coffin lid, thought to be his, is still there today.
His Family
Domnall Mór married a woman named Orlacan. She was the daughter of Diarmait Mac Murchada. Domnall and Orlacan had three sons and one daughter. After his death, his sons had their own struggles for power in Thomond.
- Muirchertach Dall (King of Thomond at different times, died 1239)
- Conchobar Ruadh (King of Thomond for a short period, died 1202 or 1203)
- Donnchadh Cairbreach (King of Thomond from 1208 or 1210 to 1242)
- Mór Ní Briain (who became Queen Consort of Connaught)
- Another daughter who married William de Burgh
See also
- O'Brien dynasty
Sources
