Myles William Patrick O'Reilly (1825-1880), who christened this estate Knock Abbey in 1858, was one leaf on a full and famous family tree with firm roots in every phase of Irish legend and life. The selected facts below illustrate the family's colourful history over the centuries.

300-400AD
Brian, fourth Milesian King of the Western province of Connaught, is the first firm link in the O'Reilly family lineage. His younger brother, Niallus Magnus, more commonly known as Niall of the Nine Hostages, gained infamy for enslaving St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, in 405A.D.

1447
By the 15th century, the O'Reillys possessed enough power and prestige to feel at liberty to issue their own coinage. The English government passed a statute banning use of O'Reilly "or any other unlawful money."

18th-19th c.
Mathew O'Reilly (1708-1775) established the Knock Abbey branch of the O'Reilly family. Mathew's namesake was more commonly known as "Red Mat" or "Mat the Incorrigible" due to his exploits that are said to include sending his wife's possessions in a coffin after she left him.

NOTE:
A more comprehensive genealogy of the O'Reillys, along with lots of other fascinating exhibits, can be viewed in the Tower House Interpretative Centre at Knockabbey Castle & Gardens.