Kingdom of Ulster

For other uses see, Ulster (disambiguation).

Kingdom of Ulster antiquity–1201 →   →   → Flag Coat of arms The Kingdom of Ulster consisted of the dark area from the 5th to 13th century. In antiquity for a time it included the pink areas, which became Airgíalla and Aileach. Capital Emain Macha (ancient) Language(s) Irish Government Monarchy  - 1172-1201 Rory MacDonlevy History  - Established antiquity  - Disestablished 1201

Ulster (also known as Ulidia) was a kingdom with varying boundaries, which existed in northern Ireland from ancient times until the 13th century Norman invasion of Ireland, when it was incorporated into the Lordship of Ireland as the Earldom of Ulster. In its early times it consisted of vast swathes of the north—inhabited by the Ulaid race—however during the 4th and 5th centuries, much of it broke away becoming Airgíalla and Aileach, leaving what is today County Down and County Antrim.

Despite its reduced size, Ulster would play an important historical role, setting up an Irish colony and sub-kingdom, on land conquered from the Picts in Great Britain called Dalriada. This covered todays Argyll in the Highlands and once breaking lose from Ulster, formed the base for the conquest of the Picts, setting up the initial Kingdom of Alba. The men of Ulster would also for a time take the Isle of Man.

Today Northern Ireland is frequently referred to as Ulster (i.e: the Ulster Unionist Party).

External links

• Kings of Ulidia by Hugh McGough