Bran mac Fáeláin

Who was Bran mac Fáeláin?

Bran mac Fáeláin was a King of Leinster of the Uí Dúnchada sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. This sept had their royal seat at Líamhain. He was the nephew of Fínsnechta Cethardec mac Cellaig and grandson of Cellach mac Dúnchada, previous kings. His father Fáelán had been abbot of Kildare. Bran ruled from 835 to 838.

The annals record that in 835, the high king Niall Caille of the Cenél nEógain led an army into Leinster and set up Bran as king. The previous king Cellach mac Brain of the Uí Muiredaig sept had been aligned with Feidlimid mac Cremthanin, the powerful king of Munster. The annals mention a co-ruler, his cousin Riacán mac Fínsnechtai who died in 837.

Viking raids occurred during his reign. In 837 a Viking force of sixty ships operated on the Liffey river and plundered the surrounding plain.

Bran's sons Muiredach mac Brain and Ruarc mac Brain were also Kings of Leinster.