Famous Irish Emperors & Kings

George II of Great Britain was King of Great Britain and Ireland, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg (Hanover), and a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire. He ascended the British throne in 1727 and had limited control over domestic policy, which was mostly managed by Parliament. As elector, he spent time in Hanover, where he had more direct influence on government policy. George led an army in battle during the War of the Austrian Succession and faced a Jacobite rebellion in 1745. Historians have reassessed his legacy, acknowledging his impact on foreign policy and military appointments.

Brian Boru, also known as Brian Bóruma, was a powerful Irish king who successfully ended the domination of the High Kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill and potentially halted Viking invasions. He established himself as the High King of Ireland after subjugating Munster and Leinster. Brian built upon the accomplishments of his father and brother, leading campaigns against various rivals, including the Norse-Gaelic Kingdom of Dublin. He was widely recognized as a unifying and successful monarch in medieval Ireland.

Edward Bruce, Earl of Carrick, was a key figure in the Scottish struggle for the crown against English rule. Supporting his brother Robert the Bruce, he later pursued his own ambitions in Ireland, where he was proclaimed High King in 1315. Despite his efforts, he was eventually defeated and killed by Anglo-Irish forces at the Battle of Faughart in 1318. Edward Bruce's professional life was marked by his roles as a supporter of Scottish sovereignty and as a claimant to the throne of Ireland.

William III of England was the sovereign Prince of Orange and Stadtholder of several Dutch provinces. He became King of England, Ireland, and Scotland, ruling alongside his wife, Queen Mary II. A Protestant, William fought against the Catholic French ruler Louis XIV in various European conflicts. He played a key role in the Glorious Revolution, deposing his Catholic uncle, James II, and ascending to the throne. William's reign was marked by military engagements, political intrigue, and efforts to secure the Protestant succession.

Diarmait Mac Murchada, King of Leinster, sought assistance from King Henry II of England after being deposed by the High King of Ireland. Forming an alliance with Richard de Clare (Strongbow), he initiated the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. In exchange for support, he promised Strongbow marriage to his daughter Aoife and succession to the Kingship of Leinster. This alliance led to a larger invasion by Henry II in 1171, establishing the Norman Lordship of Ireland and marking Mac Murchada as a pivotal figure in Irish history for introducing the first wave of Anglo-Norman settlers.

Hugh Roe O'Donnell was a prominent Irish clan chief and leader during the Nine Years' War, a conflict between Irish clans and English rule. He was known for his adherence to traditional Irish clan chief values and his role in fighting against religious persecution and seeking political independence for Ireland. O'Donnell led the Irish clans to victory in battles, sought reinforcements in Spain, and ultimately died there. His legacy is celebrated annually, and efforts are underway to canonize him as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.

Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, was a key figure in the Irish Nine Years' War, leading a confederacy of Irish clans against the English Crown. He skillfully built a network of British and Irish contacts to pursue political power, deceiving government officials through bribes and disinformation campaigns. O'Neill formed alliances with other Irish chiefs to strengthen his forces, enabling him to resist English incursions. Despite initial successes, he ultimately surrendered to the English in 1603 and later fled to continental Europe, settling in Rome.

Olaf Guthfrithson was a prominent Hiberno-Scandinavian leader in the 10th century, ruling over Dublin and Viking Northumbria. He succeeded his father as King of Dublin, establishing dominance by capturing the king of Limerick. Olaf allied with Constantine II of Scotland to reclaim Northumbria but was defeated by Æthelstan at the Battle of Brunanburh. After Æthelstan's death, Olaf became king of York, engaging in agreements and conflicts with English rulers over the division of England. He died in 941, succeeded in Northumbria by his cousin.

George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, was a key figure in the Wars of the Roses, initially supporting the House of Lancaster before switching back to the Yorkists. He played a significant role in the dynastic struggle between the Plantagenet factions. Despite being a member of the House of York, he was convicted of treason against his elder brother, Edward IV, leading to his execution by drowning in malmsey wine. His life and death have been immortalized in William Shakespeare's plays Henry VI, Part 3 and Richard III.

Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair, also known as Turlough Mór O'Conor, was a prominent figure in Irish history, serving as King of Connacht and later as High King of Ireland. His reign spanned several decades during the 12th century, where he demonstrated strong leadership and strategic prowess. Turlough Mór played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Ireland, engaging in diplomatic relations and military campaigns to maintain his authority. His legacy as a skilled ruler and statesman remains influential in Irish historical narratives.

Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell, was an Irish Gaelic lord who held the title of the last King of Tyrconnell. He was also known as the younger brother of Hugh Roe O'Donnell. In 1603, he made history by being the first to be styled the Earl of Tyrconnell. Throughout his professional life, he played a significant role in Irish Gaelic politics and held important titles, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of Ireland.

Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell, was an Irish Gaelic lord who held the title of the last King of Tyrconnell. He was a prominent figure in Irish history and a younger brother of Hugh Roe O'Donnell. In 1603, he was the first to be styled the Earl of Tyrconnell. His professional life was marked by his leadership in the region and his transition from a Gaelic lord to an Earl under English influence.

Harald Gille, also known as Harald IV, served as the king of Norway from 1130 until his passing. His byname "Gille" likely originated from Middle Irish as "servant of Christ." During his reign, Harald Gille navigated political challenges and maintained control over the kingdom. He played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Norway during his time as king, leaving a lasting impact on the country's history and governance.

Conn O'Neill, 1st Earl of Tyrone, initially served as king of Tyrone before submitting to Henry VIII and becoming Earl of Tyrone under the surrender and regrant policy. He aimed to pass on his title and lands to his chosen successor, Matthew, but a violent succession dispute led to his son Shane O'Neill taking power. His grandson Hugh O'Neill later succeeded him and continued the alliance with the Crown before leading Tyrone's Rebellion, ultimately causing the decline of traditional Irish lords in Ulster.