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Domnall ua Néill

901 – 980

High King of Ireland

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About Domnall ua Néill

Lived 901 – 980 (aged 78–79). Domnall ua Néill was a monarch.

Domhnall ua Néill (old spelling: Domnall ua Néill; anglicised as Donal O'Neill) (died 980) was High King of Ireland from 956 to 980.

Domnall was the son of Muirchertach mac Néill, and grandson of Niall Glúndub, a member of the Cenél nEógain northern Uí Néill. He became co-King of Ailech with his brother Flaithbertach ua Néill on the death of his father in 943. He became High King of Ireland on the death of his maternal cousin Congalach Cnogba of the southern Uí Néill sept of the Síl nÁedo Sláine.

Domnall is considered to have been an effective ruler who introduced military reforms later credited to Brian Boru. Much of his reign was spent in war against his sister Dúnflaith's husband Amlaíb Cuarán, the King of Dublin. In 980 he abdicated and entered the monastery Armagh where he died shortly afterwards.

Domnall was called "High King of Ireland" in his obituary, and was the last of his family to hold the title. He was succeeded by Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill of Clann Cholmáin.

Domnall's children included Muiredach, whose son Lochlann may have been the ancestor of Domnall Ua Lochlainn, and Muirchertach, ancestor of the O'Neills of Tír Eógain. His grandson Flaithbertach Ua Néill was King of Ailech and the leading figure among the Uí Néill, certainly from the death of Máel Sechnaill in 1022, if not earlier.

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Important facts

Born
901, Ireland
Birth century
Died
980, Armagh
Occupation
Positions held
King of Ailech, High King of Ireland
Also known as
Domnall ua Neill

People in Domnall ua Néill's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Domnall ua Néill's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Domnall ua Néill?

High King of Ireland

When was Domnall ua Néill born?

Domnall ua Néill was born in 901 in Ireland.

When did Domnall ua Néill die?

Domnall ua Néill died in 980 in Armagh.

What was Domnall ua Néill's occupation?

Domnall ua Néill was a monarch.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Domnall ua Néill

· Wikidata: Q1152971

· DBpedia: Domnall ua Néill

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Domnall ua Néill. https://biography.guide/domnall-ua-neill/

MLA: "Domnall ua Néill." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/domnall-ua-neill/.

Chicago: "Domnall ua Néill." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/domnall-ua-neill/.

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