túath
The túath (plural tuatha) was the basic political unit of Gaelic Ireland, referring both to a people and to the territory they inhabited. It functioned as an autonomous political community led by a local ruler, typically a king (rí) or chieftain, who governed the túath in accordance with customary law. The túath was subordinate to larger political structures—overkingdoms and provincial kingships—yet retained practical sovereignty over its lands and people.
Etymology and usage: túath is an Old Irish term meaning roughly “people, tribe, nation.” In medieval Irish
Territory and governance: Boundaries of a túath were defined by geography and lands held by the kin-group,
Society and obligations: Membership tended to be kin-based, with obligations of service, tribute, and mutual defense
Historical context: During the medieval period Ireland was organized as a mosaic of túatha within larger overkingdoms.