Diarmait Mac Murchada, Dearbhforgaill & the Road to Norman Invasion

Episode overview

The story moves towards invasion through the rivalry between Diarmait Mac Murchada and Tiernan O’Rourke, the disputed abduction of Dearbhforgaill and Diarmait’s decision to seek Norman military support.

This companion page explains the personal rivalries and political reversals that led Diarmait Mac Murchada to seek military help outside Ireland.

Topics covered

• Diarmait Mac Murchada’s rivalry with Tiernan O’Rourke
• Dearbhforgaill and the disputed abduction tradition
• Diarmait’s exile and search for military support
• The political road towards the Norman invasion