airi aicme

The term airi aicme refers to the aristocracy or upper class in ancient Ireland. This social stratum was characterized by clearly defined land and property rights, with their wealth primarily derived from cattle.1

Politically, ancient Ireland was organized into numerous independent petty kingdoms, or clans, known as tuatha. Groups of these tuatha could form larger confederations, but the king of each group held a position of honor rather than absolute jurisdiction. It wasn't until the 10th century AD that a single king, the ard rí, claimed overlordship over all of Ireland. By the beginning of the Christian era, the country was divided into five major regions: Ulster, Meath, Leinster, Munster, and Connaught.12