Cíarraige
The Ciarraige were a population-group recorded in the early historic era in Ireland.
Origins
The word Ciarraige means the people of Ciar. Ciar was the illegitimate son of Fergus, the King of Ulster. After being banished from the Court of Cruachan, Ciar sought refuge in Munster. There he gained the territory for the first branch of Ciarraige, which he called Ciarraige Luachra.
Branches
The Cíarraige were a people found scattered over much of Ireland. Known branches were:Ciarraige Luachra, who gave their name to County KerryCiarraige Altraige, Mocu Alti, or Altai; living around Tralee, northwest of county Kerry.Ciarraige Cuirche, located in the barony of Kerrycurrihy, south of Cork cityCiarraige Diurgi, located somewhere in MunsterCiarraige Irluachra, located close to the Ciarraige Luchra in western Sliabh LuachraCiarraige Sleibe Cua, in what is now County WaterfordCiarraige Muman, situated in MunsterCiarraige Choinchenn, location uncertainCiarraige Conmed, location uncertainCiarraige Maige Glas, northeast part of Maigh Ai in Moylurg, north County Roscommon.Ciarraige Des Cechair, location uncertain Ciarraige Oic Bethra, of Aidhne, now south County GalwayCiarraige Aí, based on the plain of Magh nAi in County RoscommonCiarraige Airtech, an obscure branch of the above, around Tibohine, County RoscommonCiarraige Loch Airned, based around Loch Airned, now Mannin Lake, County Mayo, close to the Roscommon border.