The O’Neill dynasty (Ó Néill, Uí Néill) is one of the most important and powerful families in Irish history, deeply connected with the ancient High Kingship of Ireland and later rulers of Ulster, particularly the Kingdom of Tír Eoghain (Tyrone).
The O’Neills of Tyrone were the premier Gaelic royal dynasty of Ulster, descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages (4th – 5th century) through his son Eógan, and they ruled as Kings of Tyrone for centuries until the early 17th century, when their power collapsed after the Flight of the Earls.
Niall’s descendants became known as the Uí Néill (descendants of Niall), a dynastic group that dominated much of the north and midlands of Ireland for centuries.
The Uí Néill split into two main branches:
Northern Uí Néill (Tír Eoghain/Tyrone and Tír Chonaill/Donegal).
Southern Uí Néill (Meath, Westmeath, and surrounding regions).
The Tyrone O’Neills belong to the Northern Uí Néill, specifically the Cenél nEógain, descendants of Eógan mac Néill, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages.
Core descent line:
Niall of the Nine Hostages → Eógan → Cenél nEógain → Domnall ua Néill → O’Neills of Tyrone → Hugh O’Neill (Earl of Tyrone).
Kings of Tír Eoghain (Tyrone)
The Cenél nEógain established themselves as rulers of what became Tír Eoghain (Tyrone), centered on modern-day County Tyrone and parts of Derry. From the 5th century onward, they were major rivals to the Cenél Conaill (descendants of Conall Gulban, another son of Niall) for dominance in Ulster. By the medieval period, the O’Neills were firmly established as Kings of Tyrone and styled themselves as The O’Neill, a Gaelic title signifying sovereignty. The O’Neill chieftains were inaugurated on the ancient site of Tullaghoge near Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.
Notable O’Neill Rulers
Domhnall O’Neill (d. 1325): Asserted his claim to the High Kingship of Ireland, appealed to the Pope against Anglo-Norman encroachment. Shane O’Neill (“Shane the Proud,” 1530–1567): Asserted independence from English rule, fought Elizabethan forces. Hugh O’Neill (1550–1616), Earl of Tyrone: One of the most famous, led the Nine Years’ War (1594–1603) against Elizabeth I’s armies; nearly expelled English rule from Ireland. Defeated at the Battle of Kinsale (1601), submitted in 1603. The Flight of the Earls (1607): Hugh O’Neill, with Rory O’Donnell and others, fled to the Continent, marking the end of Gaelic sovereignty in Ireland.
Legacy
The O’Neills of Tyrone symbolized Gaelic resistance to English conquest and became central figures in Irish nationalist memory. Their descendants spread through Europe, especially in Spain, France, and the Spanish Netherlands, where they served in military and political roles. The name O’Neill (Ó Néill) remains one of the most distinguished surnames in Ireland, especially associated with Ulster. Tyrone itself became a hub of the Gaelic resurgence and later, Plantation resistance.
Aftermath & Legacy
After 1607, the Gaelic lordship of Tyrone was broken, and the Plantation of Ulster began.
The O’Neills continued as a noble family in exile, especially in Spain, the Spanish Netherlands, and France.
Various cadet branches survived in Ireland (notably the O’Neills of Clannaboy and O’Neills of the Fews).
The O’Neills, as one of the most powerful Gaelic dynasties in Ireland, were constantly involved in warfare: against rival Irish clans, the Anglo-Normans, and later the Tudor/Elizabethan English crown.
The Flight of the Earls (1607)
Genealogy of the O’Neills of Tyrone
“Lámh Dhearg Éireann” – “The Red Hand of Ireland.”
The Red Hand of Ulster (Lámh Dhearg Uladh)
A central and defining emblem of the O’Neills.
Symbolizes sovereignty, leadership, and defiance.
According to legend, when Ulster was promised to the first man to touch its soil, an O’Neill cut off his hand and threw it ashore, winning the land.
It later became the symbol of the whole province of Ulster.
Gold Background (Or)
Represents nobility, generosity, and high rank.
Reflects the O’Neills’ status as one of Ireland’s most powerful ruling families, often styled as Kings of Ulsteror even High Kings of Ireland.
Red Lion Rampant (in some versions of the arms)
Stands for courage, strength, and military power.
Lions are a traditional royal symbol across Europe, linking the O’Neills to wider traditions of kingship.
Crest (when shown) – often a knight’s helmet or additional use of the Red Hand.
Signifies chieftainship and warrior heritage.