When I wrote my novel, An Intrigue of Witches, I delved deeply into historical research, particularly to explore the conspiracy theory that most U.S. presidents are related and descended from British royalty. I was able to confirm this and wove it into the mystery element of my story.
An Intrigue of Witches is the first book in the Secret Society Mysteries series, where a historian uncovers the hidden truth about our country’s history. The idea that all of our leaders are connected through British royal bloodlines is a central theme in the series.
What I didn’t realize during my initial research was that the Kennedy family descends from a different line of royalty—still royalty, but from a separate lineage. I discovered this after my book went to print, so I didn’t include this specific detail in the story, but I may explore it in a future installment since this is an ongoing series.
With RFK Jr. recently endorsing President Trump, I thought now would be a good time to revisit this intriguing piece of history.
American Royalty
When we think of American royalty, the Kennedy family often comes to mind. Their legacy is deeply ingrained in the fabric of this nation, but what if I told you their roots trace back even further—to the noble lineage of the Kings of Ormond in Ireland? Yes, the same Kennedys who graced the White House have bloodlines that reach into the rich history of European aristocracy, specifically the ancient Kingdom of Ormond and the powerful Dalcassian clan.
The Kennedy family name originates from the Gaelic “Ó Cinnéide,” meaning “grandson of Cinnédidh,” a leader whose name translates to “helmeted head” or “ugly head.” This ancient Irish family was powerful long before they became synonymous with American politics.
The Kennedys are part of the Dalcassian clan, a formidable group that played a significant role in Irish history. The Dalcassians, originally from the region that is now County Clare, were a warrior tribe that rose to prominence in the 10th century under the leadership of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland who famously defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.
Irish Kings Of Ormand
More specifically, the Kennedy lineage traces back to the Kings of Ormond, a title held by the rulers of a medieval kingdom located in what is now County Tipperary, Kilkenny, and parts of surrounding counties in southern Ireland.
The Kingdom of Ormond, which means “East Munster,” was a significant part of the province of Munster. The Kings of Ormond were known for their political influence and military strength, often playing a pivotal role in the conflicts and power struggles of the time.
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was a direct descendant of the Kings of Ormond through his Irish ancestors. The Kennedy family’s connection to the Ormond kings can be traced through Patrick Kennedy, JFK’s great-grandfather, who was born in Dunganstown, County Wexford, Ireland, in 1823. The genealogical link connects JFK to Donnchadh Ó Cearbhaill, one of the last Kings of Ormond, who ruled in the 12th century. The lineage follows a line of noble Irish chieftains and kings who were part of the Dalcassian dynasty.
Family Tree
The genealogical path from JFK to the Kings of Ormond is as follows:
- John F. Kennedy
- Patrick Joseph Kennedy (1858–1929) – JFK’s grandfather.
- Patrick Kennedy (1823–1858) – JFK’s great-grandfather, born in Dunganstown, County Wexford.
- James Kennedy – Descendant of the Ormond lineage.
- Traced back through several generations to Donnchadh Ó Cearbhaill – King of Ormond in the 12th century.
The Kennedys’ connection to the Kings of Ormond is not just a matter of distant ancestry but is deeply tied to the history and culture of Ireland. The Ormond kings were instrumental in shaping the political landscape of medieval Ireland, and their legacy is reflected in the Kennedy family’s own rise to power in the United States.
As for connections to English royalty, while the Ormond kings were not directly related to the English crown, there were significant interactions between the two. The Kingdom of Ormond, being a powerful entity in Ireland, often found itself in conflict and, at times, in alliance with English rulers.
The Earl Of Ormand
After the Norman invasion of Ireland, the title “Earl of Ormond” was created by the English crown and granted to the Butler family, who were of Norman descent. However, the original Gaelic kings of Ormond, from whom the Kennedys descend, remained distinct from this Norman-English lineage.
Understanding this background adds another layer to the narrative of JFK’s presidency and the Kennedy family’s place in history. Their royal Irish roots suggest that the Kennedys were always meant to be more than just another American family. They were, in a way, fulfilling a legacy that had been in the making for centuries.
The Kingdom of Ormond, with its strategic location and fertile lands, was a seat of power and wealth in medieval Ireland. The Kennedys, as part of this kingdom’s ruling class, were involved in the governance and defense of the region, often allying with or against other powerful Irish families and, eventually, the Norman invaders. This history of political maneuvering and leadership is reflected in the Kennedys’ modern legacy as shrewd and influential leaders in the United States.
John F. Kennedy’s presidency was often seen as a time of renewed hope and vision for America. But understanding his background adds another layer to the narrative. His family’s ties to European nobility suggest that the Kennedys were always destined to lead, whether in a medieval Irish kingdom or the modern-day political arena.
When I first started digging into these connections, I was struck by how history has a way of repeating itself. The Kennedys, like many of the world’s most powerful families, didn’t just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Their lineage gave them a certain advantage—a sense of destiny, perhaps—that propelled them to the forefront of American politics.
So, next time you hear someone refer to the Kennedys as American royalty, remember that there’s more truth to that statement than you might think. Their roots go back to the days of kings and warriors, and their story is a reminder that the past is never really gone. It’s woven into the present, influencing our world in ways we might not even realize.
And if you’re anything like me, this connection between the Kennedys and the Kings of Ormond, along with their Dalcassian heritage, only makes their story that much more intriguing. It’s a blend of history, power, and a bit of mystery—just the kind of thing that keeps me fascinated with the idea that the world is a lot more connected than we often realize.
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The Speculative South 