Máel Brigte mac Tornáin
Abbot of Iona
About Máel Brigte mac Tornáin
Máel Brigte mac Tornáin, also known as Maelbrigte mac Durnan (died 22 February 927), was an Irish clergyman who served as abbot of Armagh from 883 and, in his role as Coarb of Colum Cille, as the Abbot of Iona, non-resident from 891, holding both positions until his death. He is likely responsible for commissioning and may have worked on the Mac Durnan Gospels,
Origins Máel Brigte was a distant member of the royal lineage of Colum Cille of the Uí Néill of Tyrconnell and a member of the Cenél mBógaine a sept of the Cenél Conaill. Two of his cousins were also members of the paruchia of Colum Cille; Dubhthach mac Dubáin († 938), abbot of Raphoe, would succeed him as abbot of Iona and Caencomhrac († 929), abbot and bishop of Derry.
Abbot of Armagh and Iona Máel Brigte began his career at several monasteries, including Lusk and Devinish, according to the 10th-century text Baile Bricin. He was made Archbishop of Armagh in 883 on the death of Cathassach mac Robartaig.
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Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was Máel Brigte mac Tornáin?
abbot of Iona
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Máel Brigte mac Tornáin
· DBpedia: Máel Brigte mac Tornáin
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Máel Brigte mac Tornáin. https://biography.guide/mael-brigte-mac-tornain/
MLA: "Máel Brigte mac Tornáin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/mael-brigte-mac-tornain/.
Chicago: "Máel Brigte mac Tornáin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/mael-brigte-mac-tornain/.
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