The Firbolg
    Click here to tell a friend about this web site Click here to Bookmark this Page Click here to link to us
    Tell a Friend Bookmark this Page Link to us
    HOMEGENEALOGY & IRISH NAMESTOURISTRESEARCHIRELAND NEWSDOWNLOADSFUNCOMMUNICATESHOPMORECONTACTSITE MAP




    The Firbolg were an ancient race of people that ruled Ireland before the Tuatha de Danaan and the Melesians. The origin of the name of these peoples is still subject to conjecture with 'men of spear', 'men of the bag' and 'men of boats' being suggested translations.

    Legend has it that the Firbolg were enslaved by the Greeks. For three centuries their persecution continued before they eventually stole some Greek ships and set sail for Ireland. The leaders of the escape were five brothers, Slainge, Rudraige, Genann, Gann, and Sengann. The 5000-strong tribe headed to the west coast of Ireland but were soon scattered by the rough seas and had to land at different bays. They reformed at the Hill of Tara where the country was divided into 5 Provinces. These boundaries substantially survived into modern times and became four Provinces, with two of the original five being merged.

    Ireland prospered under the Firbolg. They had a political structure, administration and a kingdom. They brought bronze-age technology to Ireland. They fought off persistent raids by the Fomorians, who they united with on several occasions to ward off would-be invaders. For 37 years there were 7 successive Firbolg kings who ruled over a thriving land. A new wave of invaders were on the way however, the Tuatha de Danaan.

    Despite negotiations and time-stalling tactics by the Firbolg, defeat to the technically superior Tuatha de Danaan was inevitable. Despite staring defeat in the face the Firbolg petitioned the Tuatha de Danaan for once last chance of victory: a battle between equal forces.

    Bravery was not enough though. The Firbolg were finally defeated at the Battle of Moytura but not before they impressed the new rulers of Ireland with their fierce courage and honour. The country was divided again with the western part of the country, Connaught Province, being assigned to the Firbolg.

    From this time on the power of the Firbolg waned. They continued to live in the West of Ireland and, together with he Tuatha de Danaan and the Milesians, are regarded as one of the great Celtic tribes of Ireland.


    The Firbolg - An article provided by The Information about Ireland Site.

    USAGE:
    THIS ARTICLE MAY BE REPRODUCED ON YOUR WEB SITE OR IN YOUR
    EZINE OR NEWSLETTER ONCE THE FOLLOWING COPYRIGHT AND 'LINK' TO THE
    INFORMATION ABOUT IRELAND SITE ARE INCLUDED AND LEFT INTACT.

    (C) Copyright https://www.ireland-information.com


    by Michael Green Google+
    (C) Copyright - The Information about Ireland Site, 1998-2017
    P.O. Box 9142, Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland
    Tel: ++ 353 1 2893860
    (Office Hours: 9am to 6pm GMT = 4am to 1pm EST
    Feel free to contact us by going here
    or by telephone or postal mail as shown above.
    Drop us a line - we will reply!