Nuala O'Donnell facts for kids

Nuala O'Donnell (in Irish: Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill; around 1565 - 1630) was an important member of the O'Donnell dynasty in Ireland during the late 1500s and early 1600s. She was part of a big event in Irish history called the Flight of the Earls in 1607.

Her Life Story

Family and Early Life

Nuala was the daughter of Sir Hugh O'Donnell. He was a powerful Gaelic leader, or "lord," of an area called Tyrconnell and the head of the O'Donnell family.

Nuala had several brothers. Her full brother was Sir Donnell O'Donnell. Her half-brothers included famous figures like Hugh Roe O'Donnell, Rory O'Donnell, and Cathbarr O'Donnell. Her sister Siobhán was married to Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, another very important Irish leader.

Her family went through a lot of conflict. There was a big argument over who would become the next leader of the O'Donnells after her father. This was called the O'Donnell succession dispute. Her older brother Donnell was killed in a battle in 1590. This allowed her half-brother Hugh Roe to become the main leader by 1592.

A Difficult Marriage

Nuala married her cousin, Niall Garve O'Donnell. He was also a claimant, or someone who wanted to be, the O'Donnell leader. At first, Niall Garve was an ally of Nuala's brother Hugh Roe. He joined Hugh Roe in 1594 during the Siege of Enniskillen. This event helped start a long war known as Tyrone's Rebellion, which lasted for nine years.

However, Niall Garve later changed sides. He and some of his brothers and followers began to help the English forces. These forces were led by Sir Henry Docwra and were based in a place called Derry. Niall Garve even led English forces in battles, including victories at the Battle of Lifford and the Siege of Donegal. He wanted to be declared the Gaelic lord of Tyrconnell himself.

Nuala's Choices

When Nuala found out her husband had switched sides, she made a big decision. She left Niall and went back to live with her brother Hugh Roe. She took some of her children with her. Nuala later divorced Niall.

After her brother Hugh Roe died in 1602, Nuala joined the household of his successor, her other brother Rory. Rory was made the Earl of Tyrconnell after a peace agreement with the English called the Treaty of Mellifont.

The Flight to Europe

In 1607, Nuala was part of a major event called the Flight of the Earls. This was when several important Gaelic nobles, including her brother Rory, left Ireland and went into exile in Europe.

Nuala played a role in raising Rory's son, Hugh. Hugh's mother had stayed behind in Ireland. Nuala is believed to have died in Rome, Italy. Her daughter with Niall Garve, named Grania O'Donnell, also went with her into exile in Italy.