Gamanraige facts for kids

The Gamanraige were an important group of people in ancient Ireland. They were part of a larger group called the Fir Ol nEchmacht. These people ruled a big part of western Ireland long, long ago, even before written history began. Their land was west of the Shannon River.

Who Were the Gamanraige?

The Gamanraige were the main part of the Fir Ol nEchmacht. They controlled a large area of land. This land stretched from the Gallimhe, or Galway River, in the south. It went all the way to the Drowes and Duff rivers in the north-east.

Their Capital City

The main city for the Gamanraige was called Rath Eochaidh. Later, this place became known as Cruchain. This area was considered the true heartland of the Fir Ol nEchmacht.

A New Name for the Land

Over time, a new powerful family called The Connachta became very strong. Because of their rise, the old name "Fir Ol nEchmacht" was no longer used. The entire region was then renamed Connacht, which is still a province in Ireland today.

The Story of Táin Bó Flidhais

One famous story about the Gamanraige is called the Táin Bó Flidhais. This tale tells about a raid by the Connachta tribe. They attacked the Gamanraige people.

The Great Cattle Raid

In this story, Queen Medb and her husband Ailill were involved. They also had a guest named Fergus from the Ulaidh region. They launched an attack on Flidhais and her husband Oilill Finn. This raid happened in Erris, which is in North Mayo. The story is mostly about stealing cattle, which was a common reason for raids in ancient times.