Ireland Lord of Dublin
The Lordship of Dublin
Dublin's lordship history begins with the Vikings, who founded the city as a trading settlement called Dubh Linn ('black pool') in 841 AD. The Norse kings of Dublin ruled a powerful kingdom that stretched from the Irish Sea to the Scottish Isles, and their lordship left an indelible mark on the city.
After the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169, Dublin became the centre of English lordship in Ireland. The Lordship of Ireland was created in 1177 when Henry II granted it to his youngest son, Prince John (later King John). Dublin Castle became the seat of English (and later British) administration, and the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland governed from there until 1922.
The title 'Lord Mayor of Dublin' dates from 1229, making it one of the oldest mayoral offices in Ireland. The Lord Mayor's Mansion House on Dawson Street was where the first Dail Eireann met in 1919 to declare Irish independence.
Dublin and the Peerage
The Lordship of Ireland was created in 1177 and elevated to a Kingdom in 1542 by Henry VIII. The Earl of Dublin was a title used briefly by the future King John. Many peerage titles reference Dublin, including the Earl of Dublin (now extinct) and numerous baronies.
Among the notable figures associated with Dublin, Henry II was known for granted Lordship of Ireland. Viking Kings of Dublin, 841-1171, also left a significant mark on the area's history.
View the full Peerage Hierarchy ChartNotable Lords of Dublin
Dublin's Christchurch Cathedral contains the tomb of Strongbow (Richard de Clare), the Norman lord whose invasion in 1170 began 750 years of English rule in Ireland.
Ireland Noble Surnames
Explore the noble heritage of Ireland's most prominent family names and discover their connections to the peerage.
Become a Lord or Lady of Ireland
The lords of Dublin shaped centuries of history. Today, you can carry a Ireland title of your own as Lord or Lady, with a complete title pack from £55.
