Gaelic Ireland

Gaelic Ireland in the mid-sixteenth century was made up of old Gaelic and Norman families, who ruled their territories much as they had for four hundred years. English authority outside the Pale existed in small pockets mainly in the larger towns and cities, but for the most part Ulster remained in the control of the Irish Lords. Brehon Law, based on ancient Gaelic tradition, was the law of the land. The laws covered ownership of property, inheritance and contact as well as social status and the responsibilities of individuals. They were however in complete contrast to the English system of administration.

The O'Donnell family rose to power as lords of Tír Chonaill (County Donegal) in the 13th century. They owned vast territories in the south west of the county and lands in the Finn Valley region and around Lifford. As Lords of Donegal, sub-chieftains such as the O'Dohertys, the McSweeneys and the O'Boyles supported them.

The ancient kingdom of Tír Eóghan dates from the 5th century. It comprises much of what is now County Tyrone, as well as parts of counties Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Armagh. The O'Neills owned large parts of this territory and were granted the title of Earls of Tyrone by Henry VIII in 1541, under his scheme of surrender and re-grant, making chieftain, Conn O'Neill, the first Earl of Tyrone.

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