Donell Dubh Ó Cathail facts for kids

Donell Dubh Ó Cathail, also known as Daniel Duff O'Cahill, was a famous Irish musician. He lived a long time ago, from about 1580 to 1660. He was especially known for playing the Irish harp, a beautiful instrument with strings.

A Family of Harpists

Donell Dubh Ó Cathail came from a family of musicians. His father was Cormac Ó Cathail. Donell was also related to another famous harper named Donell Óge Ó Cathail, who played for Queen Elizabeth I of England! It seems that playing the harp was a special skill passed down in their family.

The Ó Cathail family might not have always lived in County Cork, where Donell was born. There are other Ó Cathail families from different parts of Ireland, like Galway, Clare, Kerry, Tipperary, and Ulster.

Donell Dubh Ó Cathail was married to a woman named Ellen. They had several children, including David Óg, James, Ellen, Lodowick, Daniel Óge, Richard, and Michael.

Playing for Royalty

Donell Dubh Ó Cathail was a very talented harper. He worked for important people and even royalty in both Ireland and England.

He likely started his career playing for David de Barry, 5th Viscount Buttevant at Barryscourt Castle in Ireland.

Later, he moved to England and lived there for many years, from 1607 to 1642. During this time, he played music for queens!

• From 1607 to 1619, he was the harper for Anne of Denmark. She was the wife of King James I of England.
• Later, from 1629 to 1642, he played for Henrietta Maria. She was the wife of King Charles I.

Because of his important jobs and the money he earned, Donell was able to buy land in County Cork and in a part of Ireland called Connacht. He eventually returned to Connacht to retire after his long career.

Other Famous Irish Harpists

• Cormac MacDermott (died 1618), another harper and composer
• Ruaidri Dáll Ó Catháin (active late 1500s/early 1600s), a well-known harper and composer
• Donnchadh Ó Hámsaigh (1695–1807), a famous Irish harper who lived a very long life