List of Irish kingdoms


This article lists some of the attested Gaelic kingdoms of Early Medieval Ireland prior to the Norman invasion of 1169-72.
For much of this period, the island was divided into numerous clan territories and kingdoms. These túatha often competed for control of resources and thus they continually grew and shrank. In addition to kingdoms or túatha, Gaelic Ireland was also divided into five prime overkingdoms. These were Ulaid, Connacht, Laighin, Mumhan and Mide.
After the Norman invasion, much of the island came under the control of the Lordship of Ireland, although some parts remained under the control of Gaelic dynasties. After 1350, Norman control began to weaken, and a "Gaelic resurgence"
took place which resulted in the direct influence of the Parliament of Ireland shrinking to an area known as The Pale by 1500. In 1541 the Kingdom of Ireland was established by Henry VIII and the Tudor conquest of Ireland commenced. The repudiation of the terms of the Treaty of Mellifont by the Crown resulted in the Nine Years War and Flight of the Earls, which marked the end of the Gaelic order.

Ulster

Earliest times

Earliest times

Earliest times

Earliest times

Earliest times