List of Irish historians

A list of Irish historians is presented in this article, from the earliest times up to the present day, by historical periods and in alphabetically order for easier reference.

Many of the earlier historians would have been known in their time as: "Irish Men and Women of Learning". A number of those listed below were scholars in different fields: literature, mathematics, theology, biography, narratives, hagiography, grammar.

Legendary and Pre-Historic Era

Early Medieval Era: 5th-12th centuries

  • Dicuil
  • Donatus of Fiesole
  • Fergus, fl. pre-844
  • Finnian of Moville, died 579
  • Iohannes
  • Johannes Scottus Eriugena
  • Laidcend mac Baith Bandaig, died 661
  • Mac Bethad, fl. 891
  • Mael Brigte Ua Maeluanaig, died 1138
  • Mael Inmuin, fl. 891

Late Medieval Era: 12th-16th centuries

  • Muireadach Albanach O Dalaigh, fl. c. 1220
  • Seaan Mor O Dubhagain, died 1372

Early Modern Era: 17th-19th centuries

  • Aodh O Dalaigh, fl. 1742-1756
  • Aodh O Dochartaigh, fl. 1627
  • Aonghus Ruadh na nAor O Dalaigh, died 1617
  • Baothghalach Ruadh Mac Aodhagain, fl. c.1628
  • Bernadin O Clerigh, fl. 1636
  • James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh, 1581-1656
  • Thomas Carve, died 1672
  • Charles O Conor, 1710-1791
  • Charles Owen O Conor Don, 1838-1905
  • Conchabhar Mac Bruaideadha, fl. 1636
  • Connall Mac Eochagain, fl. 1627
  • Cu Choigcriche O Cleirigh, c. 1662/1664
  • Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh, fl. 1627-1636
  • Daniel O'Daly, died 1662
  • Daibhidh O Duibhghennain, fl.1651-1696/1706
  • Nicholas French, died 1678
  • Dr. John Lynch, 1599-c. 1677
  • Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh, fl. 1643-1671
  • Edward Ledwich, 1738-1823
  • Eoin O Gnimh, fl. 1699
  • Eugene Curry, 1794-1862
  • Fear Dorcha MacFhirbhisigh, fl. c. 1600?
  • Fearfeasa O Maoilchonaire, fl. 1627-1636
  • Flann mac Aodhagain, died c. 1643
  • Fr. Brendan O Conor, OFM, fl. c. 1630
  • John Colgan, OFM, 1592-1657
  • Fr. John Francis Shearman, 1830-1885
  • Luke Wadding, OFM, 1588-1657
  • George Petrie, 1790-1866
  • Gillia Isa Mor mac Dubhaltach Mor MacFhirbhisigh, died 1643
  • Henry MacCarrick, fl. 1700-1708
  • James Hardiman, 1782-1855
  • John O'Donovan, 1806-1861
  • John O'Hart 1824 - 1902
  • Sylvester O'Halloran 1728-1807
  • Lughaidh O Cleirigh, fl. 1595-1630
  • Major-General James Vallencey, 1721-1812
  • Mathghamhain O Duibhgeannain, fl. 1644
  • Matthew O Conor, 1773-1844
  • Michael O'Clery, c. 1590-1643
  • Mother Mary Bonaventure Browne, c. 1610-c. 1694
  • Owen Connellan, 1800-1869
  • Peregrine O'Duignan, fl. 1627-1636
  • Rev. Charles O Conor, 1767-1828
  • Ruaidhri O Flaithbheartaigh, 1629-1716/1718
  • Ruaidhri Ruadh Mac Diarmada, fl. c. 1760
  • Seamus Bacach Mag Uidhir, fl. 1712-1729
  • Seathrún Céitinn/Geoffrey Keating, died 1643
  • Sir James Ware, 1594-1666
  • Sir John Thomas Gilbert, 1829-1898
  • Sir William Petty, 1623-1687
  • Standish Hayes O'Grady, 1832-1915
  • Tadhg mac Daire Mac Bruaideadha, fl. 1616-1652
  • Todd, James Henthorn, 1805-1869.
  • Tuileagna Ó Maoil Chonaire, fl. 1638-1673
  • Whitley Stokes, 1830-1909
  • William Lecky 1838-1903

Modern historians