Randal MacDonnell, 1st Earl of Antrim facts for kids

Randal MacDonnell was an important leader in Ireland a long time ago. He became the first Earl of Antrim. He was known for being a powerful figure in the north of Ireland. Randal was involved in a big conflict called the Nine Years' War. Even though he fought against the English for a while, he later made peace. He was given the titles Viscount Dunluce in 1618 and Earl of Antrim in 1620. Randal remained a Catholic throughout his life.

Early Life and Family

Randal MacDonnell was the fourth son of Sorley Boy MacDonnell and Mary O'Neill. His father, Sorley Boy, was a powerful leader in a region called the Route. Randal's family was part of a large Scottish group known as Clan Donald. His mother, Mary, was the daughter of Conn O'Neill, an important Irish leader. She passed away in 1582.

When Randal was young, he lived with a Scottish family on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. This was a common way for children of important families to be raised back then. Because he lived on Arran, he was sometimes called "Arranach," which means "of Arran" in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages. Randal's father died in 1590. His older brother, James, then became the Lord of the Route.

Joining the Rebellion

In 1597, Randal helped his brother James make Dunluce Castle stronger. This upset the English Crown. In the same year, he also helped his brother defeat Sir John Chichester in the Battle of Carrickfergus. Chichester was killed in this battle.

Randal then joined Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, in a major uprising. This conflict is known as the Nine Years' War, which lasted from 1594 to 1603. In early 1600, Randal traveled with Tyrone on a trip into an area called Munster.

Becoming Lord of the Route

Randal's brother, James, died suddenly in 1601. Even though James had an older son, Randal was chosen to be the next leader. This was because of an old custom called "tanistry." Randal saw that the rebellion was not going well. He began to talk with the English leader, Lord Deputy Mountjoy, about making peace.

Mountjoy made Randal a knight in 1602. Later that year, Randal officially surrendered to Mountjoy. He offered to help fight against Tyrone with his own soldiers. This act helped to calm things down in the north of Ireland.

When King James I became king in 1603, Randal received many favors. In May 1603, he was given control of the Route and the Glynns. This was a huge area of land, almost 340,000 acres. The island of Rathlin was added to his lands the next year.

Marriage and Family Life

In 1604, Randal married Alice O'Neill. She was the daughter of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. Alice lived until 1665.

Randal and Alice had two sons:

• Randal (born 1609, died 1683), who became the 2nd Earl. He inherited Dunluce Castle.
• Alexander (born 1615, died 1699), who inherited the area of Glenarm.

They also had six daughters:

• Anne, who married Christopher Nugent and later William Fleming.
• Mary, who married Lucas, Viscount Dillon, and later Oliver Plunket.
• Sarah, who married Niall Oge O'Neill, then Sir Charles O'Conor Sligo, and later Donal MacCarthy Mor.
• Catherine, who married Edward Plunket.
• Rose, who married Colonel George Gordon.
• Margaret, who passed away in 1623 and never married.

In 1606, some of Randal's lands were taken away for various reasons. These included Dunluce Castle and parts of the fishing rights on the River Bann. However, Dunluce Castle was given back to him in 1615. His fishing rights on the River Bann caused him a long disagreement with James Hamilton.

Loyalty and New Titles

In 1607, Randal was accused of being involved in the Flight of the Earls. This was when the Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnell left Ireland for Europe. Randal had married Tyrone's daughter, which made some people suspicious. He appeared before the English leader, Sir Arthur Chichester, and said the accusation was false. He had no more trouble about it.

After the Flight of the Earls, Randal became the most important Gaelic noble left in Ulster. In 1608, when Sir Cahir O'Doherty started a rebellion by burning Derry, Randal did not join him. O'Doherty was defeated and killed. After this rebellion, the government decided to expand the Plantation of Ulster. This plan did not affect Randal's lands in Antrim and Down, as many Scottish settlers were already there.

Randal's careful actions helped him gain favor with the English court. He managed the new settlements well and worked to improve his own lands. Because of this, he was given the title Viscount Dunluce on June 29, 1618. Soon after, he became a member of the King's council in Ireland. He was also put in charge of a regiment of soldiers. On December 12, 1620, he was given the higher title of Earl of Antrim.

Later Years and Passing

Like his family, the MacDonnells, Randal (now known as Antrim) was a Roman Catholic. In 1621, he was accused of hiding priests in his home. He admitted what he had done and promised not to do it again. He was forgiven but had to pay a reward to the person who reported him.

Antrim was a member of the Irish House of Lords in the Irish Parliament of 1634–1635. This Parliament was opened by the new Lord Deputy of Ireland, Thomas Wentworth. However, Antrim was excused from attending further meetings because of his health.

In 1635, Antrim made a deal to buy the lordship of Cantire in Scotland. This land had once belonged to the MacDonnells. However, Antrim passed away before the deal was finished.

Antrim died at Dunluce Castle on December 10, 1636. He was buried in a special vault he had built at Bonamargy Friary in 1621. Before he died, he also finished building a castle at Glenarm.

Timeline

Images for kids

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  Dunluce Castle, Randal MacDonnell's main home.