Connellan made this, the first ever English translation of the 12th - 17th century annals, in 1846. (O'Donovan published a translation a few years later.) This first translation was alsoannotated by Philip MacDermott, M.D., who created the first family location map of Ireland in such comprehensive detail. That family location map appeared in the original and is included in this 2003 release of the original 1846 printing.
Year by Year Timeline
Dated entries begin with the 1171 and run down until 1616 . The annotations by MacDermott and Connellan cover the full range of Irish History, from the earliest legends and people. Topics include: the great battles; the genealogy; the native Irish; the Anglo-Norman; and English possessors of land in Ireland. Laws, manners, customs, and notable characters in Irish history are given along with 'antiquities of every county'.
Archival Sources
The history included was drawn from many sources throughout Ireland, including the Annals of Tigernach; The Annals of Innisfallen; The Book of Clonmacnois; The Annals of Ulster; The Book of Conquests; The Book of MacBruadins; The Book of MacFirbis; The Book of O'Conry; The Book of O'Duigenean; the Book of Loughree; and more. It includes Connellans translation of O'Heerin and O'Dugan.
Owen Connellan's translation of the annals into English was an historic event. Never before had this history appeared complete, in English. The dates covered represent the most accurate of the years recorded by the Four Masters, from the 12th to the 17th century. The translation of the annals help stir a national patriotism throughout the whole country of Ireland.
Connellan's translation in 1846 predates the excellent work by John O'Donovan. (These men were contemporaries. O'Donovan came out with his translation several years after the initial appearance, and public acceptance of, the annals by Connellan.)
Time brings us an improved knowledge of the Gaelic language, and of the prejudices of the day. There is, however, no substitute for the original translation of such a work. All that came after owe some debt to the original effort.
Finally in Print
It is hoped that scholars and researchers will be able to avail themselves of this edition, which has been too long out of print, almost forgotten.
The map and text displayed here has been directly reproduced from the original, and understandably bears some marks of wear. This map, by Philip MacDermott, was the first to locate so many families in Ireland (far more than the crude map of Ortelius ). MacDermott also assisted with the annotations to the text, which are an important part of this history.
You have here a faithful printing of the original from the IGF library. No new errors have been introduced by a modern typing. The translations of the day have been left exactly as they first appeared in 1846.
About the Author Owen Connellan (1800-1869).
This noted Irish antiquarian was born in County
Sligo and became an outstanding translator of
works in the Irish language. He was chair of Irish
at the University of Belfast by 1845, after having
produced the 'Practical Grammar of the Irish
Language' in 1844.
He also served as RIA amanuensis for some 20
years, and was Irish historiographer under the
reign of George IV and William IV. In 1846 his
Annals of Ireland by the Four Masters became the
first ever complete translation into English for the
years 1171 - 1616.
About the MapThis is the only edition of the annals which shows the locations of hundreds of Irish families on the large map. It is described: Families as they existed under the Milesian Kings with the old Principalities & other Chief Divisions the Palaces of the Kings, ancient Cities, Bishops' Sees, & remarkable Places, and the Territories possessed by each of the Irish Princes, Lords & Chiefs from the 11th to the 17th Century;
Also shown are the Possessions of the Danes in the 10th, 11th, & 12th centuries, and of the great Anglo-Norman and old English Families from the Reign of Henry the II to that of Elizabeth comprising the Period from the latter end of the 12th to about the middle of the 16th century.
On the printed sheet accompanying the Map an Account is given of the extent of all the ancient Territories, and of the Possessions, Rank, Titles & Descent of all the Irish Princes, Lords & Chiefs, and also the Titles & Territories of the Anglo Norman Lords & great English Families.
The Milesian Chiefs are all distinguished by O and Mac; The Head Chiefs are placed about the Middle of each Barony & others on their Localities. The Anglo-Irish are placed on some part of their Possessions & the word DANES is marked on the Territories which they possessed. The map was compiled by Philip Mac Dermott, M.D.
The premier historical source for IrelandThe Annals of the The Four Masters are perhaps the best known of all the Irish annals. Students of history will find these volumes valuable for study and comparison. Genealogists will value the names and genealogical records included. All will enjoy the history.
The pages are faithfully and completely reproduced from the original 1846 volume in the IGF Library, and as such will bear some signs of aging or wear. Some names on the map are light as would be expected. (Note: this edition is in the English language). Includes the brand new 20 page supplement found nowhere else.
Historic Battles and Events
Here are examples of military items of interest found in this index to this set. Some of the great battles of Irish chiefs included here are :
battle of Achalethderg
battle of Ardnaree
Battle of Athenry
battle of Clontibret
battle of Cnucha
battle of Gaura
Battle of Kilmore
battle of Maistean
battle of Moylena
battle of Shrule
battle of the Ford of the biscuits
battle of Thurles
battle of Ventry
battles in Ireland
battles in Ulster.
Family Strongholds
Some of the old family Castles and strongholds in Ireland are found in the text of this work as well, to mention just a few of the castles:
Castle at Clones
castle building
Castle Conell
Castle Connell
castle Coote
castle Hyde
castle Kilbarron
castle Kilcoleman
castle Kill Colmain
castle Lehan
castle Magner
castle of Athleathan
castle of Roscommon
castle of Sligo
Including castles demolished and
castles in Ely.
Irish Septs and Clans
Thousands of families are given in this masterpiece, and countless references to Irish 'Clans', including the following:
The Final Word
The 'Annals of the History of Ireland by the Four Masters' is an outstanding piece of Irish history. This first ever English translation is a prize for any library. New map index included in volume 2. New surname index forms the third piece to this set. The extra large folding map with hundreds of Irish families located there-on, has never been equaled.
Limited edition, complete, from the 1846 original translation by Connellan. Hardbound, Gold Stamped. Two volumes plus new surname index. Full color frontis in each volume. Large folding family location map at rear of volume 2. Celtic letter ornamentation inside and out. Alphabetical listing of names on the original large fold out map found only in this IGF limited edition printing. History and Genealogy from the 12th - 17th century annals complete. Annotations covering the History of Ireland from the earliest times. Indexed. Plus a special 20 page stapled supplement, a third item, entitled "The New Family Name Index to the Annals of Ireland", with 2,000 names never before indexed. This supplement is available only from irishroots.com and the IGF
