The Conquest of Meath: Hugh de Lacy & the Last Days of Tiernan O’Rourke

Episode overview

Henry II grants Meath to Hugh de Lacy, creating a powerful new Norman lordship. The episode follows castle building, rivalry with Strongbow and the disputed death of Tiernan O’Rourke at the Hill of Ward.

This episode shifts the story into Meath, where royal grants, castle building and personal rivalry helped create one of the most important Norman lordships in Ireland.

Topics covered

• Henry II’s grant of Meath to Hugh de Lacy
• The construction of Norman castles and lordship
• Hugh de Lacy’s rivalry with Strongbow
• The disputed death of Tiernan O’Rourke