Ulick Burke, 3rd Earl of Clanricarde

Ulick Burke, 3rd Earl of Clanricarde ( ; died 20 May 1601), styled Lord Dunkellin until 1582, was an Irish peer who was the son of Richard Burke, 2nd Earl of Clanricarde and Margaret O'Brien.

Birth and origins

Ulick was the only son of Richard Burke and his wife Margaret O'Brien. His father was the 2nd earl of Clanricarde, called the Saxon (or Sassanach), because he succeeded by primogeniture. His mother was a daughter of Murrough O'Brien, 1st Earl of Thomond.

Career He had long been a rebel against the English Crown, and since the 1560s had instigated the Mac an Iarla against his father, who was a staunch supporter of Elizabeth I. These wars devastated large areas in Connaught and Thomond.

On his father's death in 1582 it was uncertain who would inherit the title, Ulick or his brother, John. Ulick gained the succession by murdering John and acknowledging the supremacy of the Crown. He afterwards remained a loyal subject till his death on 20 May 1601 at Loughrea. He was buried at Athenry.

Marriage and children Clanricarde, as he now was, married Honora Burke, daughter of John Burke of Clogheroka, on 25 November 1564 at Athenry, County Galway.

Ulick and Honora had six sons: Richard (died an infant) Richard Burke, 4th Earl of Clanricarde (1572–1635) Thomas, who married Ursula Malby, daughter of Sir Nicholas Malby and widow of Anthony Brabazon William (died 1625), from whom later Earls descended Edmond Burke (died 1639)

—and at least two daughters: Mary (c. 1566 – before July 1604) Margarey de Burgh who married Sir John Bourke

Clanricarde also had an illegitimate son with Martha Frannas: John Burke, 1st Viscount Bourke of Clanmories (before 1601 – 1633)

Arms