Clan O'Donnell

Clan O'Donnell (Irish: Ó Domhnaill) was a powerful Gaelic Irish family from the kingdom of Tyrconnell in the north of Ireland. Their roots go back to early medieval times, and they ruled much of what is now County Donegal.O'Cochlain, Rupert S (1950). The O'Donnells of Tirconaill. Journal of the County Donegal Historical Society

 Family origins 
The O'Donnells belonged to the ancient Uí Néill family. They were descended from Conall Gulban, a son of the legendary High King Niall of the Nine Hostages. This lineage made them leaders of the Cenél Conaill group in Ulster.McNeill, Ronald John (1911). "O'Donnell". In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 20 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 6–8.

 Territory and power 
Their territory, Tyrconnell, covered most of modern Donegal and parts of nearby counties. They often led their lands independently. Their main stronghold was Donegal Castle, which stood at the heart of their power base.

 Golden age and leaders 
In the late Middle Ages, the O'Donnells were one of the strongest Gaelic families in Ireland, rivaled only by the O'Neills of Tyrone. Famous leaders include Red Hugh O'Donnell, an important figure in the Nine Years' War (1594–1603). He led Irish forces alongside Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone but their attempt failed after the Battle of Kinsale and marked the end of Gaelic rule.John O’Hart, Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation, 5th edition, in two volumes, originally published in Dublin in 1892, reprinted, Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976, Vol. 1, p. 417

 Decline and exile 
After the war, many O'Donnell leaders left Ireland in what is called the Flight of the Earls. One of them, Rory O'Donnell, was made Earl of Tyrconnell, but he and others were forced into exile. His young son later served in the Spanish army and never returned to Ireland.McNeill, Ronald John (1911). "O'Donnell". In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 20 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 6–8.

 Legacy and branches 
The family name and heritage lived on in other countries. Branches of the dynasty became counts and dukes in Spain and Austria. Descendants also served in European armies and held noble titles abroad.Ellis, Peter Berresford (2002). Erin's Blood Royal: The Gaelic Noble Dynasties of Ireland. Palgrave. ISBN 978-0-312-23049-4.

Today, people remember the O'Donnells for their long rule, their resistance to English power, and their role in Ireland’s Gaelic past.

 Modern Revival 
The O'Donnell clan was revived in 1954.

The head of the clan is Hugo O'Donnell, 7th Duke of Tetuan.Burke's Peerage Revised Families. Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd. Updated 2025

 References 

Category:Clans