Tír Amhlaidh


Tír Amhlaidh was a túath in northwest Ireland. It is now represented by the barony of Tirawley, County Mayo. The name is derived from Amhalghaidh, son of Fíachra son of Eochaid Mugmedon of the Connachta group of early Gaelic dynasties.

History

The O'Dowds were chiefs, but were then replaced by the Barretts in the 13th century after the Battle of Kilroe was fought between the Barretts led by William Mór Barrett and the O'Dowds led by Taichlech O' Dubhdha. Several military families of Welsh extraction and associated with the Norman invasion settled in this region and intermarried with the local clans, namely Walshes, Joyces, Lawlesses, Lynotts, and Barretts.

Organisation

The O'Dowds kings were traditional inaugurated at the site of Carn Amhalghaidh, now in the townland of Carns near Killala. The túath contained many castles as part of its defence network.

Annalistic references