Donnchad mac Domnaill Remair facts for kids

Donnchad mac Domnaill Remair (died around 1089) was an important ruler in Ireland during the late 1000s. He was known as the King of both Leinster and Dublin. Donnchad was the son of a powerful man named Domnall Remar mac Máel na mBó. He ruled these areas for a few years before he died in 1089.

Donnchad's Early Life and Challenges

Family Conflicts in Leinster

In 1071, old Irish history books, like the Annals of the Four Masters, tell us about a fight within Donnchad's own family. Donnchad had to battle his cousin, Domnall mac Murchada meic Diarmata. This shows that even powerful families had their disagreements.

Dublin Under New Control

The very next year, in 1072, Donnchad's uncle, Diarmait mac Máel na mBó, King of Leinster, passed away. After this, a powerful king named Toirdelbach Ua Briain, King of Munster took over Leinster. He also attacked Dublin, a city on the coast.

In Dublin, Toirdelbach captured Donnchad and his brothers. The people of Dublin then chose Toirdelbach as their new king. For a while, Toirdelbach let Gofraid mac Amlaíb meic Ragnaill, King of Dublin rule Dublin for him. But in 1075, Toirdelbach removed Gofraid completely.

Donnchad Regains Leinster

Toirdelbach then made Donnchad's father, Domnall, the King of Dublin. He also allowed Donnchad to rule Leinster. Sadly, Donnchad's father, Domnall, died soon after. Toirdelbach then put his own son, Muirchertach, in charge of Dublin.

Becoming King of Leinster and Dublin

Seizing Power

In 1086, a big change happened when King Toirdelbach died. Donnchad saw his chance and took control of Dublin. From then on, he ruled both Dublin and Leinster. He held onto this power until 1089.

Battles for Dublin

In 1087, Muirchertach, who was now the King of Munster, wanted to get Dublin back for his family. He fought a battle at a place called Ráith Etair, which was north of the River Liffey.

Two years later, in 1089, Muirchertach finally managed to take Dublin. The Annals of the Four Masters record that Donnchad died that year. He was killed by Conchobar Ua Conchobair Failge, who was the King of Uí Failge. Even after Donnchad's death, Muirchertach couldn't hold Dublin for long. About two years later, Gofraid Crobán, King of the Isles took the city from him.