United Ireland

A United Ireland is the common demand of Irish nationalists, envisaging that the island of Ireland (currently divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) be reunited as a single political entity. Nationalists have suggested many different models for unification, including federalism, and joint sovereignty, as well as a unitary state.

Kings and High Kings

Before the coming of the Normans there existed the title of Ard Rí (High King), usually held by the Uí Néill but this was more of a ceremonial title denoting a sort of "first among equals" rather than an absolute monarchy as developed in England and Scotland. Nevertheless, several strong characters imbued the office with real power, most notably Mael Seachlainn I (845-860), Flann Sinna (877-914), Mael Seachlainn II Mor (979-1002;1014-1022) Brian Boru (1002-1014), Muircheartach Ua Briain (1101-1119), and Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair (1119-1156).

Related Topics:
Normans - Ard Rí - Uí Néill - England - Scotland - Brian Boru - Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair

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What prevented the consolidation of truely national power even by the Ard Ri's was the fact that the island was divided into a number of autonomus, fully independant kingdoms ruled by rival dynasties. The most powerful of these kingdoms in the immediate pre-Norman era were Aileach, Brefine, Mide, Leinster, Osraige, Munster and Connacht. In addition to these, there were a number of lesser subject kingdoms such as Airgialla, Uladh, Brega, Dublin, Ui Failghe, Laois, Desmond, and Hy-Many. Many of these kingdoms and lordships retained, at the very least, some degree of independence right up to the end of independent Gaelic polity in the 17th century.

Related Topics:
Kingdoms - Mide - Leinster - Munster - Connacht - Dublin - Desmond - Hy-Many

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A profound misunderstanding of the nature of Irish kings, high-kings and kingdoms - as well as a general ignorance of their existance - continues among Irish people to this day. This creates a great deal of confusion when adressing the basis of a united Ireland.

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