The Conmhaicne or Conmaicne were an ancient tribal grouping that were divided into a number of distinct branches that were found scattered around Ireland in the early medieval period. They settled in Connacht, where they gave their name to several territories.
They take their name from a mythical ancestor known as Conmac. Conmac was in turn said to be descended from Fergus mac Roich and Queen Maeve of Connacht.
The word Conmacne means "progeny of Conmac" (ne, a progeny). Conmac itself means "hound-son" (con, hound; mac, son).
Known branches were:
The Diocese of Ardagh was established in 1111 as the see for east Connacht. At the Synod of Kells-Mellifont its area was reduced to the territory of the Conmaicne with the kingdom of Breifne forming a new Diocese of Kells.[1]
Notables descended from the Conmhaicne include Cruimthear Mac Carthaigh, Iarlaith of Tuam and some abbots of Clonmacnoise.