The Kingdom of Leinster was a kingdom of Gaelic Ireland which existed in the east of the island from the Irish Iron Age until the 17th century Early Modern Ireland. According to traditional Irish history found in the Annals of the Four Masters, the kingdom was founded as the territory of the Laighin, a Heremonian tribe of Irish Gaels. Some of the early kings of Leinster were also High Kings of Ireland and Kings of Tara, such as Úgaine Mór, Labraid Loingsech and Cathair Mór.
The Dying Gaul. According to Irish tradition, the name Leinster derives from the spears carried by the Gaul mercenaries brought back by the exile Labhraidh Loingseach to secure his kingdom.
St. Brigid of Kildare, carried by two angels, painted by John Duncan. She was invoked as protectoress of Leinster and control of Kildare was essential for the Kings of Leinster.
Art Óg Mac Murchadha Caomhánach, King of Leinster in the late 14th century revived the fortunes of the kingdom and clashed with Richard II Plantagenet, King of England.
Glendalough Monastery founded by Kevin of Glendalough, a prince of royal Leinster blood. Located in a valley in the Wicklow Mountains, the monastery was founded in the 6th century.
The Kingdom of Munster was a kingdom of Gaelic Ireland which existed in the south-west of the island from at least the 1st century BC until 1118. According to traditional Irish history found in the Annals of the Four Masters, the kingdom originated as the territory of the Clanna Dedad, an Érainn tribe of Irish Gaels. Some of the early kings were prominent in the Red Branch Cycle such as Cú Roí and Conaire Mór. For a few centuries they were competitors for the High Kingship of Ireland, but ultimately lost out to the Connachta, descendants of Conn Cétchathach. The kingdom had different borders and internal divisions at different times during its history.
Caherconree in the Slieve Mish Mountains features the remains of a stone ringfort, named for Dáirine king Cú Roí.
Skellig Michael off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula. An isolated Christian monastery was founded here by St. Finnian of Clonard in the 6th century.
The Rock of Cashel was the centre of power for the Eóganacht Chaisil, ancestors of the Mac Cárthaigh, who became the main providers of Kings of Munster.
St. Cormac mac Cuilennáin was a celebrated early 10th century King-Bishop associated with the literary Sanas Cormaic.
