Donnchad Midi facts for kids
Donnchad mac Domnaill (born 733, died 6 February 797), also known as Donnchad Midi, was an important ruler in early Ireland. He held the title of High King of Ireland, which meant he was the most powerful king among many. His father, Domnall Midi, was the first High King from the Uí Néill family group in central Ireland.
While his father and the next High King, Niall Frossach, had mostly peaceful reigns, Donnchad's time as king was different. He was known for expanding his power and fighting many wars. He often targeted Leinster, a kingdom that the Uí Néill family had traditionally fought against. He also, for the first time, challenged the powerful southern kingdom of Munster.
Donnchad continued his father's support for the churches connected to Columba, especially the famous monastery on Iona. He used these churches, like the one at Durrow, to help him in his wars. However, he also took resources from churches that supported his rivals or those in Leinster and Munster. Donnchad was remembered as a strong warrior king. He made sure his family group, Clann Cholmáin, stayed powerful in central Ireland. His family members continued to be High Kings for a long time after him.
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Early Life and Family
Donnchad was the son of Domnall Midi and his wife, Ailbíne ingen Ailello. His father, Domnall, became High King of Ireland in 743 and ruled until his death in 763. After Domnall, Niall Frossach became High King.
Donnchad's family, Clann Cholmáin, was a powerful branch of the Uí Néill. However, becoming king within his own family wasn't easy for Donnchad. Records show there was conflict among his relatives. For example, his brother Diarmait Dub was killed in 764 in a battle between two monasteries. Another relative was also killed that same year.
Donnchad himself fought against a smaller group called the Fir Tulach Midi in 764. The next year, with help from a distant relative named Fallomon mac Con Congalt, Donnchad defeated and killed his own brother Murchad in a battle near Rathconrath, County Westmeath. After Fallomon was killed in 766, Donnchad became the King of Mide, a very important kingdom in central Ireland.
Becoming King of Mide
In 769, Donnchad forced Coirpre mac Fogartaig, the King of Lagore, to leave his kingdom. Coirpre was a leader of a rival Uí Néill group. The next year, Donnchad led his army into Leinster. The king of Leinster, Cellach mac Dúnchada, chose not to fight. Donnchad stayed at Dún Ailinne for a week, and his army gathered supplies from the area.
Some historical records suggest that Niall Frossach, the High King, may have stepped down around 770 or 771. This would have opened the way for Donnchad to become High King. Donnchad also campaigned in the lands of the northern Uí Néill in 771 and 772, showing his growing power.
In 775, Donnchad took control of the monastery at Clonard, which was near the border with Leinster. He also led his army into Munster, causing a lot of damage and defeating many Munstermen. He did this again in 776, with help from the community of Durrow.
Donnchad also caused trouble at the óenach (a large public gathering or festival) of Tailtiu in 774 and 777. In 777, the target was the Síl nÁedo Sláine, another Uí Néill group. This led to a war between Donnchad and Congalach mac Conaing, the King of Knowth. A big battle in 778 ended with Congalach and many of his allies being killed.
High King of Ireland
Donnchad likely became High King of Ireland after Niall Frossach died in 778. In that same year, Donnchad announced the "law of Columba" with the abbot of Iona, showing his religious authority. In 779, Donnchad again campaigned against the northern Uí Néill and received the submission of their king, Domnall mac Áeda Muindeirg.
In 780, an attack on Donnchad's lands by the Leinstermen was stopped. Later that year, a meeting was held between the Uí Néill and the Leinstermen, and Donnchad, as King of Tara (a symbolic title for the High King), helped settle their disagreement.
In 784, Donnchad planned a meeting with Fiachnae mac Áedo Róin, the King of Ulster. However, neither king wanted to appear less important than the other. Donnchad refused to board Fiachnae's ship, and Fiachnae refused to come ashore. So, the meeting never happened.
In 786, Donnchad defeated the Síl nÁedo Sláine again, killing Fogartach mac Cummuscaig, the King of Lagore.
In 791, Donnchad was said to have "dishonoured" some holy items during an óenach, possibly the one at Tailtiu. He also attacked Áed Oirdnide and drove him out of Tailtiu. Several important people were killed in this event. Donnchad's last recorded war was in 794, when he helped Leinster against Munster. Donnchad died in early 797 at the age of 64. He was succeeded as High King by Áed Oirdnide and by his son Domnall as King of Mide.
Donnchad was seen as a very warlike ruler, quite different from his father. While he was a friend to the Columban churches, other religious communities, especially those near Munster, suffered from his actions. Even before the Vikings arrived in Ireland, Donnchad and other rulers sometimes attacked churches to gain power or resources.
Family Life
Donnchad was married to Bé Fáil ingen Cathail. Her death was recorded in 801, where she was called "Donnchad's queen." They had children, including Óengus and Máel Ruanaid. Donnchad may have also been married to another woman named Fuirseach, who is said to have been the mother of his son Conchobar. The mothers of his other children, Ailill, Conn, Domnall, Falloman, Gormlaith, and Euginis, are not known.
His son Conn died in 795, before his father. Domnall succeeded Donnchad as King of Mide, but he ruled for only a short time before being killed in 799.
Donnchad's son Conchobar mac Donnchada later became King of Mide and High King. Another son, Máel Ruanaid, was also King of Mide and the father of a later High King, Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid. Ailill was killed in 803 while fighting his brother Conchobar. Óengus died in 830 and was called "king of Telach Midi." Fallomon also died fighting the Munstermen.
Donnchad's daughter Gormflaith ingen Donncadha died in 861. She was married to Niall Caille, and their son was Áed Findliath, who also became a High King. Another daughter, Eugenis, died in 802 and was called "queen of the king of Tara."
Images for kids
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Ireland in the 8th century. This map shows some of the kingdoms Donnchad ruled over or fought against.
