Ulster Clans

Ulster Clans is the first attempt to give some organization and needed unification to the truly great families of Ireland, the Clans of Ulster. Ulster has long been the center of power, culture, and history for Ireland. Essentially all the ancient Irish leadership was either Ulster related or focused on countering the power of Ulster. Throughout history Ulster was the bastion of true Irish identity. It was never taken in the Norman period. It withstood all English attempts of colonization until the fall of the entire Gaelic order in 1609. And it was Ulster that sent forth Christianity upon the Dark Ages.

The revival of Irish history and interest in its clans has sparked this academic endeavor. Whether as historians, scholars, or just interested parties, attention must be drawn back to the importance of Ulster, the most prominent, and most Gaelic of all provinces of Ireland.

The aim of this site is to give clan organizations and researchers one place to start connecting. Eventually we hope to have all the Ulster clans linked to this site, and a short history of that clan. Also you'll find links to some research papers on topics directly related to the history, heraldry, clans, nobility, rebellions and personalities of Ulster. You'll also find links to some Scots clans that took an early role in the makeup of Ireland. I hope you find our website useful and educational. Slainte!


O'Neill	O'Cahan	McShane	O'Reilly	McCain	O'Regan



O'More	MacDonnell	O'Carroll	O'Donnell	MacShort	Gallager	McLaughlin



O'Quinn	Donnelly	Bisset	Cannon	McCartan

Clan O’Hagan - Name in Gaelic: O hAgain Motto: Vincere Aut Mori (meaning "Victory or Death") Until the destruction of Gaelic order in the 17th Century the O'Hagans were one of the most powerful and influential families in Ulster, holding the title Lord of Tullohogue. Chiefs of the Clan Feargusa, they descended from Fergus grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages. King of Ireland from 370 to 406. For over six hundred years the O'Hagans were hereditary brehons and inaugurators of O'Neill as King of Ulster. According to tradition, O'Hagan inaugurated O'Neill by putting on his slipper hence the shoe always appears in the Coat of Arms. In right of their profession they were granted vast Estates in Dungannon Upper Barony in East Tyrone. Before the 1200's branches of the sept were established in Monoghan and Armagh and soon spread into neighboring Antrim, Derry and Down. Two places called Ballyagan, one in Derry and the other in Antrim attest to the O'Hagans predominance in the region. During the 17th Century O'Hagans staunchly opposed English aggression and a number were at the Battle of Kinsale in 1603, suffering great losses with the dispossessions that followed. Some were hanged at Carrickfergus County Antrim. Of the many notables, the best known is Turlough O'Hagan Chief of the Name who journeyed to Wicklow in 1590 to Hugh O'Donnell to Ulster following the latter's dramatic escape from imprisonment in Dublin Castle. Ivor O'Hagan tutor of St Malachy (c 1100) was a member of the Armagh Branch. In modern times of interest were John O'Hagan (1822--1890) patriot poet and Judge; Thomas O'Hagan (1812--1885) first Catholic Lord Chancellor of Ireland since James II; and Mary O'Hagan (1823 -1876) founder and Abbess of the Covenant of the Poor Clares.

MacAuley/McCauley Clans of Ireland - Although the site covers all Irish McAuleys, about 75% of them are traceable to Ulster. Furthermore, the Westmeath McAuleys are descended from O'Neills.

Clan Donald - tradition traces its roots deep into the first century AD to the Ard Righ (High Kings) of Eire (Ireland). For over a thousand years Eire was divided into many small kingdoms each with their own Righ (King). He was elected from a family in the clan called the derbfine which literally means 4 generations of family in Gaelic (pronounced Gal-ick in Scotland and Gail-ick in Ireland). The Ard Righ was also elected from a derbfine. Leaders were chosen from the derbfine after they demonstrated leadership ability rather than the “divine” right of rule philosophy (birthright) of Norman and Anglo/Saxon feudalism. The local rulers then formed a confederation rather than a strong central government(Clan Donald is descended from the derbfine of the Ard Righ of Eire beginning with Conn Ceudcathach (hundred battles) who was Ard Righ of Eire in 125 AD. JMcDonald@cgsh.com

The MacDonnells Of Leinster - Á Ghraidh, You are cordially invited to visit the new website of The MacDonnells Of Leinster at http://MacDonnellOfLeinster.com. If you know of any Leinster MacDonnells, or of any other Gael inclined to our cause, we would appreciate your passing our torch.

Clan McManus - from Fermanagh and related to the Maguire's. There are two sources for the surname 'MCMANUS' in Ireland. One was started in the person of Manus O'CONNOR, Lord of Tír Tuathail, who was slain in 1181. The other was in Manus MAGUIRE, the king of Ulster who died in the early 1300's. These are two distinct lineages/families but yet related to each other -- Manus O'Connor is the 25th cousin-3 generations removed of Manus Maguire and their common ancestor was Carbury Lifechar (of the Liffey River). Another is the intermarriage of Thomas Maguire (son of Philip-na-tuaithe Maguire) and Una (daughter of Tadhg McManus-O'Connor) whose grandson was Cathal oge MacManus-Maguire (i.e. the compiler of the Annals of Ulster). Manus MAGUIRE was born at Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh at the chief residence of his father Don Mor MAGUIRE. It was later that Manus was to reside at Knockninny (hill of St. Ninnidh on the southern shore of Upper Loch Erne). Over the course of time the lands at Knockninny was passed between the English and the MAGUIRE's until it was no longer under McMANUS nor MAGUIRE rule. The rule of the McMANUS's had shifted from Knockninny to Ballymacmanus (Belleisle or Senad), near Lisbellew on Lough Erne, County Fermanagh during the 1400's. Manus was killed by the MacCOWELL's of County Tyrone, on 20 Apr 1358 at Port Dobhraine, Knockninny, County Fermanagh. He was buried at Aghalurcher cemetery, County Fermanagh, which is still a burying place of MCMANUS' and MAGUIRE's.

Contacts : Clan Committee na hOifigigh Coiste Clainne. - Hon. Chieftain - An Ceannaire Oinigh

Clan McShane (MacSeain, Johnson, McSean, Shane, O'Cheyne, MacEoghan, McOwen) A traditional Ulster herding/warrior clan descending originally from Niall of the Nine Hostages. Closely linked and blood related to The O'Neills Mor, Clanaboy and the Fews. McShanes hereditary title is that of "a Chief of Moy Ith or Mag Itha", which is a plain going from the eastern Donegal border to southern Derry through Tyrone.Originally centered in the area to the west of the shore of Lough Neagh, between Dungannon and Maghera (Counties Derry and Tyrone). Large septs range from Strabane, northern Donegal, Down, Antrim, Armagh, Fermanagh, Monaghan, and Cork. Literary references date from the 13^th, 16^th, 17^th centuries, then a regular history unfolds from the 18^th century forward. Today, the family is represented in 8 separate counties. The head of the clan is Major Jameson Riley Johnson, of the Desertmartin McShane line. He can be reached at jrkathleen@juno.com.
http://clanmcshane.hypermart.net

Clan O'More (Mhordha, Moore, More) We are of the Loígis Tribe of the Moores/O'Mores. Clan-Na -Rory is our original home. We are of the line from the Ulsterman, Conall Cernach. Modern times find us in Leinster. The name Mhórdha is now O'More The Loígis, Laígsi or Laoighisi, were mercenary tribes of the Laigin and probably of Cruithin (Pict) origin. The Loígis claim descent from Lugaid Loígsech, son of Conall Cernach. From Conall's line also descend the Dál n-Araide of Ulster. We also have some fame from the uprising of Chief Rory O'More. Today we are closely linked with the O'Carrolls.
http://members.telocity.com/~SEANOR/

Clan McCain (Mac Uí Catháin, McCain) The Clan McCain has it's origins as the branch of the Clann Uí Catháin (O'Cahan) who lived and operated east of the Bann River in North Antrim as early as 1270, with descendants still living in the vicinity and worldwide. Their sphere of influence encompassed the area known as "The Route" (Rúta), particularly surrounding the Bush River (Buaise), its valley and north to Dunseverick on the coast. They held the castle of Dunseverick as their seat from circa 1610 to 1651. They descend from Manus Catha Duinn Uí Catháin (Manus of the battle of Down, killed in 1260), and along with their association with the Bush River were known as Clann Manus na Buaise (Clan Manus of Bush River). They were tightly allied and related to the Eoghnacht clans, particularly the Uí Naill (O'Neil), and later with the Irish Mac Dónaill (Eoin Mhóir) and the Earls of Antrim. This newly forming association is being structured to bring to light the truth behind our heritage. We promote the collection and preservation of the history and culture of the Gaelic race.
http://members.aol.com/emccain5/index.html

Clan O'Neill (Ui' Naill, O'Neal, Neill, Neale) The Clan of the ancient Ulster Kings. Clan O'Neill represents those O'Neills in counties Tyrone, Derry, Armagh, Antrim, Donegal and septs throughout the mid and southern Ireland. We have strong clan organizations in Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and in the UK. Both O'Neill Clans descend from Niall of the Nine Hostages. His kingship assured O'Neill power in Ulster. Centuries later, a split in the family led to the formation of The O'Neill Mor and The O'Neill Clanaboy. Today both of these septs exist and flourish.
http://www.oneill-net.com

Clan MacShort (McAnghearre, Short, Shortt, Shorte, Schorte, Shortte, McShort, MacShortt, McShortt, O'Girr, Girr, Gearre, Gear, McGirr, MacGirre) are all forms from the central Clan name. One of the early and strongest galloglas or "foreign Swords" families to enter Ireland from Scotland. They came over to assist the Irish Kings in their wars and make up their armies. The Clan is newly organized and led by the Baron Castleshort.

Clan O'Cahan Clan O'Cahan (O'Cathain, O'Cahan, Keane, Kean, O'Kane, Kane, Cain, McCain).
The eponymous ancestor of the O'Cahan Clan of Ulster was Cathain who lived in the 9th Century, a descendant of Niall 'Frasach' ('Of the Showers') (d. 778 A.D.), ancestor of the O'Neill Royal dynasty. The O'Cahan line branched off through Niall's brother, Conchobar, and is the senior cadet branch of the O'Neills. Known as "The Warrior Clan of Ulster", the O'Cahan family were under-kings (ur-righ) of the O'Neill dynasty and bore the titles "King of Limavaday, Kianaght, and Fir-na-Creabh" (the latter now the Barony of Coleraine). They also were the hereditary inaugurators of the O'Neill Kings. In Ulster the name is now usually found as Kane or O'Kane in Co. Derry, while in north Antrim the form McCain is often found. Chiefly Arms: "Gules three salmon naiant in pale argent." Motto: "Felis Demulcta Mitis". The present representative of the branch that settled in Co. Clare in the early 16th Century is Lt. Col. Leonard M. Keane, Jr. (USAR - Ret.), who established The OCathain Society in 1982. He may be contacted at: dolmenx@aol.com.

Clan O'Reilly (Uh' Raghailligh, Riley, Reilly, O'Rahly) This Cavan clan is one of the most prominent families in the Cavan-Fermanagh areas. The O'Reillys were the Kings of East Breiffne in Gaelic times and maintained their dominance over the region long after the Plantation and the conquests of Ireland. Well known in Ulster and Ireland as a Clan of great military strength and financial power. The modern clan was founded and organized by Susan Riley Leppard. Today the clan has membership in Ireland, UK, Canada, Australia and the US. O'Reilly and its spellings is the most common of all Irish surnames.

Clan Cassidy (Cassity, Cassedy and Casada) We take pride in our heritage and genealogy, seek to build common bonds among all Cassidys and their descendants worldwide and host an annual gathering in Ireland for all with an interest in Irish history and culture. The Cassidy Clan is a perpetual hereditary association of people bearing the Cassidy surname, or having descended from an ancestor with the Cassidy surname, or any of the variant spellings of Cassidy, chiefly from County Fermanagh. These days many Cassidy variations exist, visit us.
www.clancassidy.org

Clan Maguire (Maguidhir) were one of Fermanagh's premier families during the Middle Ages, and are still the most common family today in that county. Genealogists give the Maguires an Oriel origin. They could have descended from one of the old Leinster Fermanagh families. It was in Lisnaskea that Donn Mor Maguire seems to have established them, about 1200 AD. With help from the O'Donnells that the Maguires took the kingship of Fermanagh. Donn Carrach Maguire, who was the first Maguire king, died in 1302. At the beginning of the seventeenth century when the Irish were finally defeated, Fermanagh was simply a Maguire property.
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~amaguire/ agmaguire@cox.net

Clan O'Donnell Cumann Chlann Dálaigh, or the O'Donnell Clan Association (Donegal), was formed in 1989 with the following aims - to organize Clan Gatherings and other such functions; to research and preserve Clan history and traditions; to establish a Clan Center to house archives, artifacts and genealogical research; to build strong bonds of unity and friendship between its members regardless of class, creed or location so that once again Clann Dálaigh might be a strong coherent Clan.
http://homepage.eircom/~vod/

Clan Gallager The name of the sept, signifies descendant of Gallchobar or Gallagher (about 950 A.D.), who was himself descended from Maolchobha, King of Ireland who reigned from 642-654. The O'Gallaghers claim to be the senior and most loyal family of the Cenéal Conaill (kindred of Conal Ghulban), son of Nial Nóigiallach "of the Nine Hostages," - who was high king at Tara circa 450 AD. The clan's territory extended over a wide area in the northern baronies of Raphoe and Tirhugh, Co. Donegal. The principle branch of the sept were seated at Ballyneit and Ballynaglack.

Clan McLaughlin The McLaughlins of Cinel Eoghainn are descended from Aodh Finnlaith, the Irish Ard Ri or High King who died in 876 A.D. From Aodh Finnlaith's son, Niall Glundubh, descend both the McLaughlins and the O'Neills, their kinsmen and rivals for the kingship of Aileach, the leading dynasty of the north of Ireland. Seated in Inishowen in Tirconnell (Donegal) the McLaughlins were direct descendants of Niall Mor or Niall 'of the Nine Hostages,' the great High King of Ireland who by legend was slain in 405 A.D. on a military expedition to the banks of the Loire in Gaul.

Clan O'Quinn O'Cuinn, O'Quinn, O'Quin, Quin, Quinn Correct form is O'Cuinn, A famous Ulster family with septs in many counties outside Ulster as well. There are many distinct septs and branches and it is Ireland's 19th most numerous surname. A Gaelic surname meaning descendants of Conn, which meant 'wisdom', or 'chief', or 'freeman', and of which there were many distinct Septs. Sight has links, descriptions of regional clan concentrations and history.

Clan Donnelly The name is O'Donnghaile in Irish, from Donnghaile. The prefix "O" denotes one who is the ancestor of Donnghaile. The word Donnghaile translates to "Brown Valor" or "Brown-haired Warrior." The Donnellys originally were a division of the clan Cineál Eoghain who derive their descent from Donnghal the fourth in descent from Domhnall, King of Aileach -- brother of Niall Glundubn and ancestor of the O'Neills, the chief family of ancient Ireland. The clan served as the Chief Marshalls of Ulster until the end of the Nine Years War in 1603. Were the foster family of Shane O'Neill the last great O'Neill Mor.

Clan Bisset The Bisset(t)s were a Norman family who followed William into England in 1066. BISSET(T) Lord of Aboyne who was exiled he and his nephew Walter killed his brother in law the young Earl of Athol. Through marriage of a Bisset daughter in Ireland, the Ian Mor McDonald (The Tanist) acquired the title of Antrim and their descendants are now McDonnell, Lord of Antrim. The Antrim BISSET(T)s were descended from Sir Walter BISSET(T)'s nephew John or Eoin who was also exiled from Scotland for his supposed part in the death of the Earl of Athol. In Ireland the family interacted with the Irish Chieftains and became powerful in their own right as the McEoin-Bissets of the Glens. They were allies of the MacQuillian of the Route the McShanes, and the O'Neills Clanaboy. Active in Counties Antrim, Derry, Down

Clan Cannon The family traces its ancestors from the west of Ireland bearing the name: CANNON or any of its derivatives such as: Canning, O'Cannon, Cannan, Canon, UiCanannain or any other similar name. The family is active in Tir Connell area of modern Donegal. Clan site has many links and associated research areas.

Clan McCartan The surname McCartan owes its origin to the Gaelic Mac Artán which translates 'son of Artán '. The annals record that Artán died in 1004. An early Irish pedigree deposited in the National Library of Ireland traces the line further back in time to Rudricus Magnus, the tenth King of Ulster at Emain Macha (Navan Fort). In 1600 the McCartans were still fairly strong and in control of mid County Down, with strongholds at Magheraknock, Ballynahinch, Magheratimpany, Loughinisland, Drumnacoyle, Drumaroad, Finnebrogue and Ardilea.

Clan O’Hagan Until the destruction of Gaelic order in the 17th Century the O'Hagans were one of the most powerful and influential families in Ulster, holding the title Lord of Tullohogue. Chiefs of the Clan Feargusa, they descended from Fergus grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages. King of Ireland from 370 to 406. For over six hundred years the O'Hagans were hereditary brehons and inaugurators of O'Neill as King of Ulster. Of the many notables, the best known is Turlough O'Hagan Chief of the Name who journeyed to Wicklow in 1590 to Hugh O'Donnell to Ulster following the latter's dramatic escape from imprisonment in Dublin Castle.

Ulster was an ancient province of northeast Ireland, named after one of its chief inhabitants, the Ulaid (Voluntii). Other early peoples included the Pictish tribe of the Robogdii, the Cruithin and the Darini. Later there were the Dal Riata, Dal nAraide and the Dal Fiatach. Ulster had its ancient capital at Emain Macha, near the modern city of Armagh.

Attacks from the midland kingdom of Mide led to Ulster's disintegration in the 4th and 5th centuries. The province subsequently split into the three kingdoms of Airgialla (in central Ulster), Aileach, (in western Ulster), and the kingdom of Ulaid (in eastern Ulster). By the 8th century the island's clans had grouped themselves into five provinces, of which Ulster under the Uí Néill dynasty was the leading one until the 11th century.

Norman adventurers from England, South Wales, and the European continent succeeded in establishing themselves in Ireland by the late-12th century, and in 1205 the English king, John Plantagenet, took control and created an earldom of Ulster.

Meanwhile, the O'Neills (of County Tyrone) and the O'Donnells (of County Tyrconnell) had become virtually supreme in much of Ulster. These two Roman Catholic clans were involved in a serious rebellion against Queen Elizabeth I from 1594 to 1601, caused in part by attempts to impose the English Reformation on the Irish. The failure of negotiations with James I led to the flight of the northern earls of Tyrone, Tyrconnell, and many others in 1607.