Niall Glúndub facts for kids
Niall Glúndub (pronounced NEE-al GLOON-doov) was an important Irish king who lived in the 900s. His full name was Niall Black-Knee, son of Áed. He was a king of the Cenél nEógain people and later became the High King of Ireland. Many Irish families, called "kin groups," were part of the Uí Néill family. They believed they were related to a famous ancestor named Niall of the Nine Hostages.
Niall Glúndub's mother was Máel Muire. She was the daughter of Kenneth MacAlpin, who was the King of Scots.
Becoming a King
Niall Glúndub was the son of Áed Findliath. He first became known in 911 when he took over as King of Ailech. This happened after his brother, Domnall mac Áeda, passed away.
Niall wanted to control more land. He won battles against the kings of Dál nAraidi and Ulaid. These battles took place near places like Glarryford and Ballymena. However, he was later defeated by the High King, Flann Sinna, at the Battle of Crossakiel.
High King of Ireland
After King Flann Sinna died in 916, Niall Glúndub became the new High King of Ireland. During his time as High King, he brought back an old tradition. This was the Óenach Tailteann, a special gathering where Irish clans would meet.
Niall was married to Gormflaith ingen Flann Sinna. With the help of the clans from the northern part of Ireland, called Leth Cuinn, the Uí Néill family finally agreed that Niall should be High King.
Fighting the Vikings
Around 914, many Northmen (also known as Vikings) invaded the south of Ireland. They were led by a group called the Uí Ímair. This invasion made the Eoghanacht of Munster weaker. The Vikings also set up a strong base, called a "longfort," in Waterford.
Niall wanted to stop the Vikings and help Munster. In the summer of 917, his army moved south and fought a big battle against the Northmen. The battle didn't have a clear winner, but many important Irish leaders died. An army from Leinster was supposed to help Niall, but they were completely defeated near St Mullins. This made Leinster fall under Viking control.
Even though Niall fought against them, the Northmen kept settling in Ireland. They rebuilt their stronghold in Dublin, which they had left 15 years earlier. They also set up bases in other ports on the eastern coast. This put pressure on the kingdom of Midhe in the middle of Ireland.
The Final Battle
Niall decided to take the fight to the Northmen. He led his army into Leinster. He had the support of the Uí Néill clans, the Airgíalla, and the Ulaid people.
However, his forces were badly defeated by the Northmen. Their leader was Sihtric Cáech. On September 14, 919, Niall Glúndub was killed at the Battle of Islandbridge. Twelve other Irish chieftains also died in this battle.
Another old record, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, says that Sihtric Cáech killed his brother Niall in 921.
After Niall Glúndub's death, Donnchad Donn mac Flainn, who was Flann Sinna's son, became the new High King. Niall's own son, Muirchertach mac Néill, became the King of Ailech. Muirchertach was known as "the Hector of the Western World."
