Mac Fhirbhisigh

The Clan MacFhirbhisigh were a family of Irish hereditary historians based for much of their known history at Leckan, Tireagh, Co. Sligo. They claimed descent from Dathí (d.418?/428?), said to be one of the last pagan Kings of Connacht, and were thus one of the many families who sprang from the Uí Fiachrach dynasty.

Based initially at Cong, the family may have being erenaghs prior to becoming historians and genealogists to the Ui Fiachrach Muaidhe (branch of the Uí Fiachrach based in north Connacht) and several other patrons. While this was their main function, they also appear to have served as poets and brehons to their patrons, possibly even musicians.

Among the earliest known members of the family were Amhlaoibh mac Fir Bhisigh (fl. c. 1200), Domhnall na Sgoile Mac Fir Bhisigh (fl.c. 1250) and Giolla Iosa mac Giolla Iosa Mor MacFhirbhisigh, who died in 1301. In the late medieval era the most well known was Giolla Íosa Mór Mac Fhirbhisigh fl. 1390-1418. Fear Dorcha MacFhirbhisigh (fl.c. 1600?) was noted as well-travelled in Scotland, showing how far afield members of the clan would venture in practiseing their art.

The most famous and revered member of the clan is Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh (fl.c.1640-January 1671) whose massive compilation of Irish genealogies is a stunning collection of much lore that would have being lost without trace in the turbulent Irish 17th century.