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Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach

1550 – 1632

Domhnall was the last King of Leinster. At the end of the Nine Years' War in 1603, Domhnall submitted and was awarded a pension.

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About Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach

Lived 1550 – 1632 (aged 81–82). Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach was a monarch.

Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach (sometimes anglicised as Donnell MacMurrough Kavanagh; died 12 March 1632) was the last King of Leinster.

A descendant of Diarmait Mac Murchada (died 1171), Domhnall was the eldest of the two sons of Donnchadh, lord of the Art Buidhe Caomhánach sept, who were reckoned the least powerful of the dynasty. Their lands lay north of Enniscorthy in the Blackstairs Mountains. It appears that at Donnchadh's death, Domhnall was taken into the care of the seneschal of Wexford, Thomas Stukeley. When Stukeley left for Spain in 1568 Domhnall went with him, which explains the origin of his nickname, Spáinneach (Irish for Spaniard).

He returned to Ireland in the mid-1570s and became a leading member of his sept. He became a firm ally of Fiach McHugh O'Byrne with whom he intrigued until the latter's death in 1597. After O'Byrne's death, he intrigued with Hugh O'Neill. When the Nine Years' War ended in 1603, Domhnall submitted and was awarded a pension, as well as recognition of title to his lands.

Domhnall was married to his cousin Eleanor Kavanagh (died in, or after, 1633), daughter of Brian MacMurrough Kavanagh and Elizabeth O'Byrne (died in, or after, 1608), and had a total of six children. He successfully conveyed his property to his son, Sir Morgan Kavanagh (d. 1643). His only known brother was Cathaoir.

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Important facts

Born
1550
Birth century
Died
1632, Ireland
Occupation
Nationality
Kingdom of Leinster
Positions held
King of Leinster
Also known as
Donnell 'Spainiagh' Kavanagh, Donnell MacMurrough Kavanagh

People in Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach?

Domhnall was the last King of Leinster. At the end of the Nine Years' War in 1603, Domhnall submitted and was awarded a pension.

When was Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach born?

Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach was born in 1550.

When did Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach die?

Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach died in 1632 in Ireland.

What was Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach's occupation?

Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach was a monarch.

What nationality was Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach?

Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach's recorded nationality: Kingdom of Leinster.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach

· Wikidata: Q5290255

· DBpedia: Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach. https://biography.guide/domhnall-spainneach-mac-murchadha-caomhanach/

MLA: "Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/domhnall-spainneach-mac-murchadha-caomhanach/.

Chicago: "Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/domhnall-spainneach-mac-murchadha-caomhanach/.

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