The earliest known kingdoms or tribes in Ireland are referred to in Ptolemy's 2nd century Geography. He names the Vennicni, Rhobogdi, Erdini, Magnatae, Autini, Gangani, Vellabori, Darini, Volunti, Eblani, Cauci, Menapii, Coriondi and Brigantes.
Irish medieval pseudohistory gives a division of kingdoms which seems more ideal than real. The island is divided into "fifths" (Old Irish cóiceda, Modern Irish cúige): Ulaid (Ulster) in the north, Cóiced Ol nEchmacht (Connacht) in the west, Mumha or Mhumhain (Munster) in the south, and Laighin (Leinster) in the east, around the central kingdom of Míde (whose name has survived in the modern counties Meath and Westmeath). Each of the outer four fifths had their own king, with the High King of Ireland ruling over them from Tara in Míde.
In historical times Míde disappeared as a province. The four remaining fifths contained large numbers of tuatha or sub-kingdoms, constantly shifting as old dynasties died and new ones formed. Some known from historical sources are:
Ulster
Earliest times
Early Christian
- Airgialla or Oirghialla
- Airthir
- Cairpre Droma Cliab
- Cenél Conaill (Tir Chonaill )
- Cenél nEogain (Tir Eogain )
- Conaille Muirtheimne
- Cruithne
- Cuib
- Dál nAraide
- Dál Fiatach
- Dál Riata
- Dartraige
- Eilne
- Uí Echach Coba
- Northern Uí Néill
- Ulaid
Meath
Earliest times
- Ebdani , Eblani or Blanii (probably variants of the same name)
Early Christian
Leinster
Earliest times
Early Christian
Munster
Earliest times
Early Christian
Connacht
Earliest times
Early Christian
See also
External links
