Country Ireland Founded 5th century AD Current head by sept dynast | Parent house Connachta (Dál Cuinn) Founder Niall Noígíallach | |
Titles Kings of Tara
High Kings of Ireland
Kings of Mide
Kings of Uisnech
Kings of Ailech
Kings of Tyrone
Kings of Tyrconnell
Kings of Brega
(Kings of Scotland)
numerous peerages | ||
The Uí Néill ( [iː ˈnʲeːl̪ʲ], descendants of Niall) are Irish and Scottish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noigiallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), a historical King of Tara who died about 405.
Contents
Branches
The founders of the Uí Néill branches are the alleged sons of Niall Noigiallach, seven in all:
The Northern Uí Néill branch:
The Southern Uí Néill branch:
All these men were in their lifetime known as members of Connachta dynasty, or as "the sons of Niall." The term Uí Néill did not, by its very nature, come into use until the time of Niall's grandsons and great-grandsons.
Dynasties descended from the Uí Néill, such as the Cenél Conaill and Cenél nEógain, held power in Ulster until their defeat in the Nine Years War in 1603. Many of the heads of the families left for Catholic Europe in 1607, an event known as the Flight of the Earls.
Uí Néill family tree
Bold indicates a supposed High King of Ireland.