Ellis MacDonnell, Countess of Antrim facts for kids

Ellis MacDonnell, Countess of Antrim was an important Irish noblewoman who lived a long time ago, during the late Elizabethan and early Stuart eras. She was known for her family connections and her role in Irish society.

Her Early Life

Ellis was born in 1583. Her father was Hugh O'Neill, a very powerful Irish leader. He was known as the Earl of Tyrone. Her mother was Siobhan O'Donnell. Ellis was the third daughter in her family.

A Time of Conflict

When Ellis was a child, her father, Hugh O'Neill, was the main leader in a big conflict called Tyrone's Rebellion. This war is also known as the Nine Years' War (1594-1603).

During this time, Ellis's future husband, Randal MacDonnell, became the head of his family. His older brother, James MacDonnell, had supported the rebellion but died in 1601. Randal then decided to support the English government. Because of this, he was given most of his family's lands.

Marriage and Family

In 1604, Ellis married Randal MacDonnell. He was the fourth son of Sorley Boy MacDonnell, a powerful lord in northern Ireland.

Their marriage was very important. It helped to create a strong alliance between Ellis's family (the O'Neills) and Randal's family (the MacDonnells). The MacDonnells were a leading family in County Antrim. Ellis was described as cheerful and strong.

After her father, Hugh O'Neill, left Ireland in 1607 (an event known as the Flight of the Earls), Ellis's husband, Randal, became the most important Irish noble in Ulster.

Ellis and Randal had two sons and six daughters:

• Randal MacDonnell: He became a leading figure under King Charles I. He was involved in the War of the Three Kingdoms.
• Alexander MacDonnell: He became the Earl of Antrim in 1683. He was known as a Catholic leader during the Williamite Wars.

Their daughters were:

• Ann: She married Lord Delvin, and later William Fleming.
• Mary: She married Viscount Dillon, and later Lord Louth.
• Sarah: She married Neile-Oge O'Neill, Charles O'Conor Sligo, and Donald Macarthy More.
• Catherine: She married Edward Plunkett.
• Rose: She married Colonel Gordon.
• Margaret: She passed away in 1623 and never married.

Later Life and Death

In 1607, Ellis's father, Hugh O'Neill, left Ireland and went to live in Europe. He passed away in Rome in 1616.

On December 12, 1620, Ellis's husband, Randal, was given the title of Earl of Antrim. This meant Ellis became the Countess of Antrim.

Her husband passed away in 1636. Ellis lived for almost 30 more years after him, passing away in 1665.