Kingdom of Munster

Origins

Munster, Mumu in Irish, was one of the ancient provinces of Ireland. From around the 5th century the Eóganachta dynasties, tracing descent from Conall Corc, the legendary founder of Cashel, established an over-kingship over the province, displacing earlier Érainn peoples such as the Corcu Loigde.

Rule and society

Kings ruled from Cashel through a confederation of Eóganacht branches, collecting tribute from many subject peoples. Several were also churchmen or patrons of learning, such as Feidlimid mac Crimthainn, king and abbot, who died in 847. Cathal mac Finguine, who died in 742, challenged the Uí Néill for supremacy. In the 10th century the Dál Cais of Thomond took the kingship, and Brian Bóruma, king of Munster from 978, became High King of Ireland in 1002.

Decline and legacy

In 1101 Muirchertach Ua Briain gave the Rock of Cashel to the Church. In 1118 Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair of the Kingdom of Connacht divided Munster by the Treaty of Glanmire into Desmond, under the MacCarthys, and Thomond, under the O'Briens.