Ciarraige

The Ciarraige were a people found in early medieval Ireland.

Origins

The word Ciarraige means the people of Ciar, and denoted descent from Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich.

Branches of the Ciarraige

Branches of the Ciarraighe were located all over Ireland:

• Ciarraige Luachra - located in what is now north County Kerry and Sliabh Luachra, both named after them.
• Ciarraige Cuirche - located due south of what is now Cork City, in Munster.
• Ciarraige Áei - situated on the plains of central County Roscommon, in Connacht.
• Ciarraige Locha na nÁirne - found in eastern County Mayo in Connacht.
• Ciarraige Airtech - on Magh nAirtig (plain of Airtig, northwest County Roscommon, parish of Tibohine.
• Ciarraige Diurgí - found somewhere in Munster.
• Ciarraige Irluachra - western Sliabh Luachra, near the Ciarraige Luachra.
• Ciarraige Sléibhe - found in what is now County Waterford.
• Ciarraige Muman - situated in Munster.
• Ciarraige Choinchenn - location uncertain.
• Ciarraige Conmend - location uncertain.
• Ciarraige Maige Glais - location uncertain.
• Ciarraige Des Cechair - possibly in Tethba, now in County Longford.
• Ciarraige Óic Bethra - found in Aidhne, now south County Galway.

References

• Irish Kings and High Kings, p. 160, 236, 247, Francis John Byrne, 3rd edition, Dublin, 2001
• Ciarraige, pp.165-174, Some Early Connacht Population Groups, Nollaig Ó Muraíle, in Seachas: Studies in Early and Medieval Irish Archaeology, History and Literature in Honour of Francis J. Byrne, ed. Alfred P. Smyth, Four Courts Press, Dublin, pp. 161–177, 2000. ISBN 1-85182-489-8.