Irish Kings and High-Kings

"Irish Kings and High-Kings" is an analysis of the nature of early Irish kingship. Using annalistic and genealogical material to interpret Irish saga and legend Professor Byrne examines the unique blend of pagan tribalism and Christian monasticism which characterizes the political landscape of early Ireland, exploring the nature of the traditional Five Fifths of Ireland, the mythology of Tara, and the growth of the highkingship of Ireland. Numerous maps and genealogical tables illustrate the development of the great overkingships of Ulster, Leinster, Connacht, and Cashel. The confrontation of St Patrick with the Irish kings, the relations between St Colum Cille and his royal cousins, and the ecclesiastical politics of Armagh, Kildare and Clonmacnoise are described and analysed.
This new edition includes an essay on the emergence of Irish surnames, additional notes and corrigenda to the first edition and review of recent work in the field. More than twenty years after its original publication, "Irish Kings and High-Kings" remains unsurpassed as an overview of this central theme in Irish history.