Uí Niall

You share a paternal-line ancestor with Niall of the Nine Hostages.

R-M269 common ancestor
10,000 years ago

The Uí Néill Dynasty
Bruno Camargo
You
The spread of haplogroup R-M269 in northern Ireland and Scotland was likely aided by men like Niall of the Nine Hostages. Perhaps more myth than man, Niall of the Nine Hostages is said to have been a King of Tara in northwestern Ireland in the late 4th century C.E. His name comes from a tale of nine hostages that he held from the regions he ruled over. Though the legendary stories of his life may have been invented hundreds of years after he died, genetic evidence suggests that the Uí Néill dynasty, whose name means "descendants of Niall," did in fact trace back to just one man who bore a branch of haplogroup R-M269.

Hi Bruno,

What an interesting piece of history you're connected to. Niall of the Nine Hostages has an interesting life story. Ruling over the northern half of Ireland at one point. One legend has it that on a raid in Wales, he captured a young boy and brought him to Ireland. The boy eventually escaped and found his way back home where he studied to be a man of faith. Later he returned to Ireland and became the patron saint, St. Patrick. This may never have happened without Niall's actions.

How did you find out about your connection to this historical figure?

There is much legendary history to explore in the North of Ireland. You may find yourself exploring land your ancestors once ruled over!

Would you hope to come explore the island and it's history? What kind of adventure could you see yourself getting into here?

Best,

Sean

I did a DNA exam, the laboratory did a worldwide analysis with other DNA and showed my degree of kinship with Uí Niall

Hi Bruno,

It's wonderful to read about your fascinating Irish heritage. It's truly amazing how DNA exams can trace our roots back to specific people and places.

Did you know about your Irish roots before taking this DNA exam or did it come as a surprise to you?

Regards,
Eoin

I didn't know, I did the DNA to find out about other family members around the world and I received this wonderful news about the king.

Hi Bruno,

I can imagine that receiving that news was quite a pleasant surprise! Do you have any plans to travel to Ireland and further trace your ancestry here?

Regards,
Eoin

Yessss, but I don't know where to start, I want to see the place and see the history up close

Hi Bruno,

Northern Ireland is a great place to start, given your links to Niall of the Nine Hostages! Here is another interesting article on our website, that details 10 amazing things to do in Northern Ireland.

Feel free to let me know if you have any other specific queries about exploring Ireland's rich history.

Regards,
Eoin