History of Breifne
The book Breifne - From Chieftain to Landlord by Mary Weir is a history of the area known as Breifne. It will be published by The History Press, Ireland in 2009.
The Kingdom of Breifne was situated in the northwest of Ireland encompassing the modern counties of Leitrim and Cavan along with parts of Sligo. Many of its ruling chieftains and princes were to play important roles in the history of Ireland.
The elopement of Devorgilla, wife of Tighernan O'Rourke, King of Breifne was instrumental in the coming of the Normans to Ireland.
The elopement of Devorgilla, wife of Tighernan O'Rourke, King of Breifne was instrumental in the coming of the Normans to Ireland.
The actions of another Breifne chieftain, the ill-fated Brian O'Rourke, had consequences in Ireland's changing history. The aid he gave to the survivors of the Spanish Armada, for which he was executed at Tyburn, spurred Queen Elizabeth's resolve in the Tudor Conquest of Ireland.
Thus vanquished, Breifne entered a period of plantation followed finally by the age of the landlord. In Breifne - from Chieftain to Landlord Mary Weir traces the kingdom's dramatic history from the 12th to the 20th century and introduces the reader to some of the more colourful characters along the way.
