The great stone forts are the ultimate expressions of the political power of early medieval ruling families, writes Christiaan Corlett
AD 1101 was a historic year in Ireland. It was the year that Muirchertach Ua Briain, King of Munster, convened a synod of the Irish church at the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary. Once a great fortress synonymous with Muirchertach’s great rivals to the kingship, he now granted the Rock to the church, thereby decommissioning its military status. In the same year, he led a massive army from Munster on a six-week military campaign deep into Ulster. His aim was to confront Domnall Mac Lochlainn, the most powerful king in the North. If he was successful, he would emulate his great-grandfather Brian Bórama (Brian Boru) and become the undisputed High King of all Ireland. His army headed for north Donegal and the stone fortress known as the Grianán of Ailech, a symbol of Mac Lochlainn power. However, Muirchertach’s ambition would remain unfulfilled. Domnall refused to engage the invading army in battle and never submitted to Muirchertach or recognised him as high king. Instead, Muirchertach set about decommissioning a second royal fortress that year, his soldiers each taking a stone away with them. Although this was probably of little consolation, no doubt Muirchertach could not leave without exacting revenge for Domnall’s attack years earlier on the Ua Briain stronghold at Kincora at Killaloe, overlooking the River Shannon.
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