Daniel O'Connell 1775 : Short Biography

Dónal Ó Conaill aka Daniel O'Connell the Liberator was born in Carhan House, near Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry in 1775.  He was then fostered out (customary in the Gaelic tradition) to a wealthy uncle who raised him at Derrynane House. O'Connell was educated at Lincoln's Inn where he read Law and was later called to the bar.

In 1802, he married his third cousin, Mary O'Connell (d.1837), and they had 11 children. 

Daniel O'Connell was to the forefront of the Catholic Emancipation movement in Ireland. His ability to harness the support of ordinary people resulted in one of the first modern mass-democratic movements.  Working to help Catholics win civil rights, many open-air meetings were held throughout Ireland where he spoke to thousands.

He became known around the world and played a leading role in the international movement to abolish slavery. He abhorred violence, a view that was fostered during his time in France when he saw first-hand the violent consequences of unrest. 

Daniel O'Connell died in Italy but is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.