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List of conflicts in Ireland

This is a list of conflicts in Ireland, including wars, armed rebellions, battles and skirmishes. Irish warriors participated in many wars in Europe and “England” as well and are not completely recognized on this page.

List of wars and rebellions in Ireland

List of battles in Ireland

Prehistoric era

The Annals of the Four Masters, written in the 17th century, records a number battles as having taken place in prehistoric Ireland. These include:

5th Century CE

Many of the battles in the 5th century feature ongoing conflicts between Laigin, a likely variation on the Kingdom of Leinster, and Aillil Molt, a king of Connacht and possible High King of Ireland. Later conflicts feature additional kingdoms including Coirpre (Coipre himself had established a strong presence in the midlands and his descendants would establish three kingdoms in his name) and Dál Aráidhe. Additionally, various High Kings of Ireland appeared intermittently in the conflicts.

  • 459 – Ath Dara
  • 468 – Battle of Duma Aichir - First given date for the battle of Duma Aichir (Dumagh Aicher), which Laigen (Laigin, the Lagenians) won over Aillil Molt (Oillil Molt). Subsequent instances of the same battle as listed in the Annals of Ulster (AU), Chronicon Scotorum (CS), and the Annals of Inisfallen (AI) are listed below. This specific instance is said to have been recorded in the Book of Cuanu, a lost Irish Annal.
  • 470 – Battle of Duma Aichir - Second given date for the battle of Duma Aichir won over Aillil Molt (AI).
  • 471 - Brí Éile (Brí Ele) melee - Aillil Molt victory over Laigin (CS). Alternate date recorded in the Annals of Ulster is listed below.
  • 472 - Battle of Duma Aichir - Third given date for the battle of Duma Aichir won over Aillil Molt (CS).
  • 473 - Brí Éile (Brí Ele) melee - Alternate date for Aillil Molt victory over the Laigin (AU).
  • 474 - Battle of Duma Aichir - Fourth given date for the battle of Duma Aichir won over Aillil Molt (AU).
  • 476 - Battle of Duma Aichir - Fifth given date for the battle of Duma Aichir won over Aillil Molt (AU).
  • 478 – Ocha
  • 482 – Battle of Ocha (Ochae) - Aillil Molt defeat. The entry in the Chronicon Scotorum reads:

<blockquote>Kal. i. A.D.482

Oilill Molt fell in the battle of Ocha by Muircertach Mac Erca (i.e. King of Erinn); and by Lughaidh, son of Laeghaire; and by Fergus Cirrbel, son of Conall Crimthainn; and by Fiachra Lonn, son of Caelboth, King of Dál Aráidhe, of which Bec Mac De said:</blockquote>

  1. The great battle of Ocha was fought, Through which many fights were contested; Over Oilill Molt, son of Dathi, It was gained by the Dál Aráidhe, By Lughaidh, by Fiachra Lonn, And by the great, puissant Muircertach, By Fergus, son of mild Conall— By them fell the noble King Ailill; And by Fergus of the blemish— By them fell the noble Ailill Molt.
  • 485 - First Battle of Granard (Graineret, Granairet, Graine, Grane) - a victory by either Coirpre (Cairpre) or Muirchertach Mac Erca (Mac Erce) over Laigin. Finnchad, King of Laigin, fell.
  • 486 - First Battle of Granard - alternate date provided by the Annals of Ulster.
  • 489 – Tailtin
  • 490 - Battle of Cell Losnada (Losnaig) - battle in the plains of Mag Fea (near modern-day Kildare) "in which fell Aengus son of Nad-fraích, king of Mumu," according to the Book of Cuanu (AU). Alternate dates are listed below.
  • 491 - Battle of Taillten (Tailten, Tailtiu) - a victory by Coirpre over the Lagenians (CS).
  • 491 – Cell Losnaid
  • 492 – Sleamhain (Slemain) in Meath (Mide)
  • 492 - Second Battle of Granard (Granairet, Grainaret, Graine, Grane) - Coirpre victory over the Kingdom of Leinster by Eochu (Eochaidh), son of Coirpre. Freach, son of Finnchad and King of Laigin died (CS).
  • 493 – Battle for the Body of St. Patrick
  • 493 - Srath Echaill - in which "Fraech son of Finnchad, king of Laigin, fell, and Eochu, son of Cairpre, was victor." The Annals of Ulster, Annals of Tigernach, and Chronicon Scotorum identify this battle as the Second Battle of Granard (listed above and below).
  • 494 - Battle of Taillten - date for the Battle of Taillten provided by the Annals of Ulster (AU) and the Annals of Tigernach (AT).
  • 494 – Ceann Ailbhe
  • 494 - Sleamhain (Slemain, Sleamain) of Meath (Mide) - Coirpre victory over Laigin (CS). Alternate dates listed in the Annals of Ulster (AU) and the Annals of Tigernach (AT) listed below.
  • 495 - Second Battle of Granard (Granairet, Grainaret, Graine, Grane) - date for the Second Battle of Granard provided by the Annals of Ulster and Annals of Tigernach.
  • 496 – Druim Lochmaighe
  • 496 - Battle of Cenn Ailbe - Coirpre victory over Leinster (CS). Alternate dates listed below.
  • 497 – Inde Mor, in Crioch Ua nGabhla
  • 497 - Sleamhain (Slemain, Sleamain) of Meath (Mide) - date provided in the Annals of Tigernach. Coirpre victory over Laigin.
  • 499 – Seaghais
  • 499 - Sleamhain (Slemain, Sleamain) of Meath (Mide) - date provided in the Annals of Ulster. Coirpre victory over Laigin.
  • 499 - Battle of Cenn Ailbe - date provided in the Annals of Tigernach. Coirpre victory over Leinster (Laigin) (AT).

6th Century CE

The 6th century features several conflicts between various groups within the kingdoms of Leinster, Uí Neill, and Connacht.

  • 500 – Lochmagh
  • 501 – Freamhain, in Meath
  • 501 - Battle of Cenn Ailbe - alternate date listed in the Annals of Ulster. Coirpre victory over Laigin (AU).
  • 506 – Luachair
  • 507 – Druim Deargaighe
  • 528 – Luachair
  • 531 – Claenloch
  • 537 – Sligeach
  • 544 – Cuil Conaire
  • 546 – Cuilne
  • 556 – Cuil Uinnsenn
  • 560 – Battle of Cúl Dreimhne ('Battle of the Book')
  • 561 – Cul Dremne
  • 563 – Moin Dairi Lothar
  • 571 – Battle of Tola
  • 572 – Battle of Doete
  • 579 – Druim Mic Earca
  • 585 – Kalketh
  • 590 – Eadan Mor
  • 594 – Dun Bolg
  • 597 – Battle of Sleamhain
  • 598 – Eachros

7th century

  • 600 – Loch Semhedidhe
  • 601 – Battle of Slaibhre
  • 622 – Carn Fearadhaigh
  • 622 – Lethed Midinn
  • 624 – Ard Corainn
  • 626 – Leathairbhe
  • 628 – Ath Goan
  • 634 – Magh Rath
  • 637 – Battle of Moira
  • 645 – Carn Conaill
  • 648 – Cuil Corra
  • 656 – Fleasach
  • 660 – Ogamhain
  • 666 – Battle of Aine
  • 681 – Bla Sléibe
  • 685 – Cenn Conn
  • 686 – Leach Phich
  • 688 – Imlech
  • 696 – Tulach Garraisg

8th century

  • 701 – Corann
  • 702 – Claen Ath
  • 713 – Cam Feradaig
  • 718 – Battle of Almhain
  • 719 – Delgean
  • 721 – Druim Fornocht
  • 724 – Cenn Deilgden
  • 727 – Magh Itha
  • 730 – Bealach Ele
  • 732 – Fochart
  • 733 – Battle of Ath Seanaith
  • 738 – Ceanannus
  • 744 – Ard Cianachta
  • 749 – Ard Naescan
  • 751 – Bealach Cro
  • 759 – Dun Bile
  • 762 – Caill Tuidbig
  • 766 – Cath Sruthair
  • 769 – Bolg Boinne
  • 781 – Ath Liacc Finn
  • 787 – Ard Mic Rime

9th century

  • 800 – Ardrahan
  • 820 – Carn Conain
  • 845 – Dunamase
  • 848 – Battle of Skryne
  • 851 – Battle of Dundalk
  • 877 – Battle of Strangford Lough

10th century

11th century

  • 1014 – Battle of Clontarf
  • 1086 – Breach of Crinach
  • 1087 – Conachail, in Corann
  • 1087 – Rath Edair
  • 1088 – Corcach
  • 1090 – Magh Lena, in Meath
  • 1094 – Bealach Gort an Iubhair
  • 1094 – Fidhnacha
  • 1095 – Ard Achad
  • 1098 – Fearsat-Suilighe
  • 1099 – Craebh Tulla

12th century

13th century

14th century

Bruce Campaign

  • 1328 – Battle of Thomond
  • 1329 – Braganstown massacre
  • 1329 – Battle of Ardnocher
  • 1330 – Battle of Fiodh-an-Átha
  • 1333–1338 – Burke Civil War
  • 1336 – Castlemore-Costello besieged and demolished by the King of Connacht
  • 1340 – Battle of the O Cellaig's
  • 1341 – Battle of the Clan Maurice
  • 1342 – Battle of Beal-atha-Slisen – King of Connacht defeats the King of Moylurg
  • 1343 – Battle of Hy-Many – MacFeorais and Clanricarde soundly defeat a small force from the Uí Maine. Achadhmona; battle between the O'Donnells, in Tirhugh
  • 1345 – Battle of Lough Neagh – naval battle between Hugh O'Neill and the Clann Hugh Buidhe
  • 1346 – Calry-Lough-Gill – O Rourke soundly defeated by the O Connors. Brian Mag Mathgamna defeats and kills 300 English somewhere in Thomond
  • 1348 – Ballymote besieged and burned by MacDermot, O Connor defeated
  • 1349 – O Melaghlin of Meath defeated in battle by the English
  • 1355 – The English of West Connaught defeated Mac William Burke, and killed many of his people Clanricarde defeats the Mayo Bourkes and the Siol Anmchadha
  • 1356 – Baile-Locha-Deacair
  • 1358 – Hugh O Neill defeats the Fer Managh and Orial. O More defeats the English of Dublin in battle
  • 1359 – Ballyshannon
  • 1366 – Srath-Fear-Luirg
  • 1368 – Oriel
  • 1369 – Blencupa
  • 1369 – Lough Erne – English of Munster and Desmond soundly defeated by O Brian, possibly at Limerick
  • 1373 – Annaly
  • 1374 – Niall O Neill defeats the English
  • 1375 – Downpatrick – Niall O Neill defeats the English
  • 1377 – Clann-Cuilein – Clanricarde and his allies defeated
  • 1377 – Roscommon – Ruaidri O Conchobhair defeats the Mayo Burkes and the Uí Maine
  • 1379 – Dreach – O Neill Mor defeats Maguire
  • 1380 – Atha-leathann – Clanricarde defeated by Bourke of Mayo
  • 1381 – Athlone
  • 1383 – Trian Chongail – Hugh O Neill and Robin Savage kill each other in a cavalry charge
  • 1384 – Carrickfergus "burned by Niall O'Neill, who thereupon acquired great power over the English"
  • 1385 – Battle of Tochar Cruachain-Bri-Ele – O Conchobhair, King of Uí Falighe, soundly defeats the English of Meath
  • 1389 – Caislen an Uabhair
  • 1391 – Bealach-an-Chrionaigh
  • 1392 – Ceann-Maghair
  • 1394 – Battle of Ros-Mhic-Thriúin
  • 1395 – Cruachain – the King of Uí Failghe defeats an English expedition. O Donnell defeats and captures the sons of Henry O Neill
  • 1396 – Creag – O Conchobhair Roe defeats O Conchobhair Donn. O Tuathail of Lenister inflicts a severe defeat on the Anglo-Irish
  • 1396 – Sligo – O Donnell and O Connor besiege and burn the town
  • 1397 – Machaire Chonnacht
  • 1397 – Bun-Brenoige
  • 1398 – Eachdruim Mac n-Aodha – the O Tooles and O Byrnes defeat the Anglo-Irish, killing the Earl of March
  • 1398 – Magh-Tuiredh – O Conchobair Roe and allies defeated by McDonagh
  • 1399 – Battle of Tragh-Bhaile – the Anglo-Irish defeat the sons of Henry O Neill

15th century

  • 1400 – Dunamon.
  • 1406 – Battle of Cluain Immorrais
  • 1444 – Duibhthrian; Sligo burned by the O Donnells, Maguires and O Connors.
  • 1446 – Cuil Ua bh-Fionntain
  • 1449 – Muintir-Maelmora
  • 1452 – Cloch-an-bhodaigh; Coirrshliabh na Seaghsa
  • 1453 – Ardglass (naval battle)
  • 1454 – Inis
  • 1455 – Athlone: The castle of Athlone was taken from the English, having been betrayed by a woman who was in it.
  • 1456 – Cuil Mic an Treoin (Friday 18 May)
  • 1457 – Druim da Ethiar
  • 1460 – Corca Bhaiscinn (naval battle)
  • 1461 – Ceann Maghair
  • 1462 – Waterford taken by the Butlers in a war with the FitzGeralds.
  • 1462 – Lancastrian Butlers defeated by Yorkist FitzGeralds at Battle of Piltown in Wars of the Roses.
  • 1464 – Sliabh Lugha
  • 1465 – Carn Fraoich
  • 1466 – Offaly; Anglo-Irish army defeated by O Connor
  • 1467 – CrosMoighe-Croin
  • 1468 – Beann-uamha; Scormor, in Clann Chathail mic Murray
  • 1469 – Baile-an-Duibh; The Defeat of Glanog
  • 1473 – Doire-Bhaile-na-Cairrge
  • 1475 – Baile-Locha-Luatha
  • 1476 – Beal Feirste (Belfast)
  • 1478 – Sligo, and the siege of Carrig Lough Ce
  • 1482 – Ath-na-gCeannaigheadh
  • 1483 – Traghbhaile of Dundalk
  • 1484 – Moin-Ladhraighe
  • 1486 – Tirawley
  • 1488 – two sieges of Carraig Lough Ce
  • 1489 – Belfast castle demolished by O Donnell; Ballytober Bride sacked by O Connor Roe
  • 1490 – Maigh Croghan
  • 1493 – Glasdromainn; Beanna Boirche;
  • 1494 – O Donnell besieges Sligo for several months in the summer, but is unsuccessful
  • 1495 – O Donnell besieges Sligo again; battle of Beal an Droichit; siege of Ballyshannon; battle of Termon-Daveog; Siege of Waterford
  • 1497 – Bealach-Buidhe; Beal Ath Daire.
  • 1498 – Cros-Caibhdeanaigh. Dungannon.
  • 1499 – Tulsk. First recorded death in Ireland from a bullet.

16th century

Mac an Iarla War

c. 1570–1583, between the sons of Richard Burke, 2nd Earl of Clanricarde

Desmond Rebellions

First Desmond Rebellion (1569–1573)

  • 1569 – Siege of Kilkenny
  • 1569 – First Battle of Killamock
  • 1571 – Second Battle of Kilmallock

Second Desmond Rebellion (1579–1583)

Spanish Armada

  • 1588 – Crown mobilisation to capture survivors

Nine Years' War

17th century

O'Doherty's Rebellion

Barbary Slave Trade

Irish Confederate Wars

Williamite War

18th century

United Irishmen Rebellion

Several fragments of the rebel armies of the Summer of 1798 survived to fight on both in the hope of the rebellion breaking out again and of French aid. The main guerrilla groupings were:

19th century

20th century

Irish revolutionary period

Only the major engagements of this period are listed below.

Irish War of Independence
Irish Civil War

IRA Northern Campaigns

The Troubles

Dissident Irish Republican Campaign

See also

References

Notes

Sources

External links

  • CELT: Corpus of Electronic Texts at University College Cork includes the Annals of Ulster, Tigernach, the Four Masters and Innisfallen, the Chronicon Scotorum, the Lebor Bretnach (which includes the Duan Albanach), Genealogies, and various Saints' Lives. Most are translated into English, or translations are in progress.