Munster - aka Mumhan, Mumu, Muinhneach, Mumhain

Munster in the Early Annals of Ireland


Uí Fidgeinti, branching out of the Race of Fiachu Fidgenid, son of Maine Munchaín. The Uí Fidgente inhabited a region of County Limerick along the River Maigue, west of Limerick City, from the 3rd to the 12th century. About 950, Uí Fidgeinti split into two major groups, the Uí Cairpri (Cairbre) and the Uí Chonaill Gabhra. Chiefs of the former group, also called Uí Cairbre Eaodhe (Aodhbha), included the O'Donovan chiefs whose seate was at Bruree, County Limerick. Chiefs of Uí Chonaill Gabra included the Uí Cuiléin, or Collins, of the baronies of Connello, County Limerick. The Saerthuatha Muman are described by the Book of Ballymote as Uí Conaill Gabra, Uí Cairbri, Uí Liathain, Uí Cormaic, Tradraighe, Uí Cathbaid, and Eli. Septs of the Uí Fidgeinti included O'Donovan, O'Collins, O'Flannery, and Lyons, among others of mid and west Limerick. e.g. baronies of Shanid, Lower Connello, Kenry and Pubblebrien.

The city of Galway, Ireland - built as a naval base and military fort by Tairrdelbach mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair in 1124, refounded as a military outpost and town by Richard Mor de Burgh in 1230 - has been subjected to a number of battles, sacks and sieges. Naval-based warfare became something of a regular occurrence in early 12th century Ireland. The Annals of Inisfallen note raids of this nature occurring in 1100, 1101, 1119, and 1124. Perhaps this was what led to Tairrdelbach mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair to build Dún Béal Gallimhe in 1124. It was located in Clan Fergal, the territory of the O Hallorans but was supervised by Ua Conchobair's vassals, the Ua Flaithbheartaigh, who at this time were still based in their homeland of Maigh Seola.

Dun Beal Gallimhe can be translated as "fort at the mouth of the Gallimhe river." It is believed to have being situated on the site of the present Customs House. This building is situated in the heart of the old medieval city between Quay Street to the north, Flood Street to the south, Druid Lane to the east and Quay Lane to the west. Subsequent to the founding of Galway in 1232, a castle and hall were built upon the site. The latter building was known as the Red Earl's hall and was excavated in 1999.