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Part ofa series on the |
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| History ofIreland |
This is alist of conflicts inIreland, includingwars, armedrebellions,battles andskirmishes. Irish warriors participated in many wars in Europe and “England” as well and are not completely recognized on this page.
| Year(s) | Conflict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 917–1014 | Viking wars in Ireland | |
| 1169–75 | Norman invasion of Ireland | |
| 1315–18 | Bruce campaign in Ireland | Part of theFirst War of Scottish Independence |
| 1333–38 | Burke Civil War | A conflict among theHouse of Burke |
| 1534–1603 | Tudor conquest of Ireland | IncludesKildare Rebellion 1534,First Desmond Rebellion 1569–73,Second Desmond Rebellion 1579–83 andNine Years' War 1594–1603 |
| 1641–53 | Irish Confederate Wars | Includes,Irish Rebellion of 1641 1641–42 andCromwellian conquest of Ireland 1649–53 |
| 1689–91 | Williamite–Jacobite War | Part of theWar of the Grand Alliance |
| 1798 | Irish Rebellion of 1798 | |
| 1803 | Irish Rebellion of 1803 | |
| 1831–36 | Tithe War | |
| 1848 | Young Irelander Rebellion | |
| 1867 | Fenian Rising | |
| 1870–93 | Land War | |
| 1916 | Easter Rising | Part of theIrish revolutionary period |
| 1919–22 | Irish War of Independence | Part of the Irish revolutionary period |
| 1922–23 | Irish Civil War | Part of the Irish revolutionary period |
| 1942–44 | Northern Campaign | Irish republican campaign against the state of Northern Ireland |
| 1956–62 | Border Campaign | Irish republican campaign against the state of Northern Ireland |
| 1968–98 | The Troubles | The Troubles was a violent conflict (1960s–1998) in Northern Ireland betweennationalists andunionists, ending with the Good Friday Agreement. |
| 1996–Present | Dissident Irish republican campaign | The Dissident Irish republican campaign is an ongoing conflict by paramilitary groups opposing the Good Friday Agreement, using violence to seek a united Ireland. |
TheAnnals of the Four Masters, written in the 17th century, records a number battles as having taken place in prehistoric Ireland. These include:
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 descendantswould establish three kingdoms in his name) andDál Aráidhe. Additionally, various High Kings of Ireland appeared intermittently in the conflicts.
| Date | Battle | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 459 | Ath Dara[10][11] | |
| 468 | Battle of Duma Aichir | First given date for the battle of Duma Aichir(Dumagh Aicher), whichLaigen (Laigin, the Lagenians) won overAillil Molt(Oillil Molt). Duplicate instances of the same battle as listed in theAnnals of Ulster (AU),Chronicon Scotorum (CS), and theAnnals of Inisfallen (AI) are listed below. This specific instance is said to have been recorded in theBook of Cuanu, a lost Irish Annal.[12] |
| 470 | Battle of Duma Aichir | Second given date for the battle of Duma Aichir won over Aillil Molt (AI).[13] |
| 471 | Brí Éile(Brí Ele) melee | Aillil Molt victory over Laigin (CS). Alternate date recorded in theAnnals of Ulster is listed below.[14] |
| 472 | Battle of Duma Aichir | Third given date for the battle of Duma Aichir won over Aillil Molt (CS).[15] |
| 473 | Brí Éile(Brí Ele) melee | Alternate date for Aillil Molt victory over the Laigin (AU).[16] |
| 474 | Battle of Duma Aichir | Fourth given date for the battle of Duma Aichir won over Aillil Molt (AU).[17] |
| 476 | Battle of Duma Aichir | Fifth given date for the battle of Duma Aichir won over Aillil Molt (AU).[12] |
| 478 | Battle of Ocha(Ochae)[citation needed] | |
| 482 | Battle of Ocha(Ochae) | Aillil Molt defeat. The entry in theChronicon Scotorum reads:
|
| 485 | First Battle ofGranard(Graineret, Granairet, Graine, Grane) | A victory by eitherCoirpre(Cairpre) orMuirchertach Mac Erca (Mac Erce) over Laigin. Finnchad, King of Laigin, fell.[19][20][21] Alternate dates are provided below. |
| 486 | First Battle ofGranard(Graineret, Granairet, Graine, Grane) | Alternate date provided by theAnnals of Ulster.[22] A victory by eitherCoirpre(Cairpre) orMuirchertach Mac Erca (Mac Erce) over Laigin. |
| 489 | Battle of Taillten (Tailten, Tailtiu)[citation needed] | |
| 490 | Battle of Cell Losnada (Losnaig) | Battle in the plains of Mag Fea (near modern-dayKildare) "in which fell Aengus son of Nad-fraích, king of Mumu," according to theBook of Cuanu (AU).[23] Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 491 | Battle of Taillten (Tailten, Tailtiu) | A victory by Coirpre over the Lagenians (CS).[24] |
| 492 | Sleamhain (Slemain) inMeath (Mide)[citation needed] | |
| 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).[25] |
| 493 | Battle for the Body of St. Patrick[26] | |
| 493 | Srath Echaill | In which "Fraech son of Finnchad, king of Laigin, fell, and Eochu, son of Cairpre, was victor."[27] TheAnnals of Ulster,Annals of Tigernach, andChronicon Scotorum identify this battle as the Second Battle of Granard (listed above and below). |
| 494 | Battle of Taillten (Tailten, Tailtiu) | Date for the Battle of Taillten provided by theAnnals of Ulster (AU) and theAnnals of Tigernach (AT).[28][29] A victory by Coirpre over the Lagenians. |
| 494 | Cenn Ailbe(Ceann Ailbhe)[citation needed] | |
| 494 | Sleamhain (Slemain, Sleamain) ofMeath (Mide) | Coirpre victory over Laigin (CS).[30] Alternate dates listed in theAnnals of Ulster (AU) and theAnnals of Tigernach (AT) listed below. |
| 495 | Second Battle of Granard (Granairet, Grainaret, Graine, Grane) | Date for the Second Battle of Granard provided by theAnnals of Ulster andAnnals of Tigernach.[31][32] Coirpre victory over the Kingdom of Leinster by Eochu (Eochaidh), son of Coirpre. Freach, son of Finnchad and King of Laigin died. |
| 496 | Druim Lochmaighe | Leinster victory over Uí Neill,Annals of the Four Masters (AFM).[33] Alternate dates are provided below. |
| 496 | Battle of Cenn Ailbe | Coirpre victory over Leinster (CS).[34] Alternate dates listed below. |
| 497 | Inde Mor, in Crioch Ua nGabhla[citation needed] | |
| 497 | Sleamhain (Slemain, Sleamain) ofMeath (Mide) | Date provided in theAnnals of Tigernach. Coirpre victory over Laigin.[35] |
| 499 | Seaghais[citation needed] | Possible alternate spelling of Sleamhain (Slemain, Sleamain) |
| 499 | Sleamhain (Slemain, Sleamain) ofMeath (Mide) | Date provided in theAnnals of Ulster.Coirpre victory overLaigin.[36] |
| 499 | Battle of Cenn Ailbe | Date provided in theAnnals of Tigernach. Coirpre victory over Leinster (Laigin) (AT).[37] |
Kal. i.A.D.482Oilill Molt fell in the battle of Ocha byMuircertach Mac Erca (i.e. King of Erinn); and byLughaidh, son of Laeghaire; and byFergus Cirrbel, son ofConall Crimthainn; and byFiachra Lonn, son of Caelboth, King ofDál Aráidhe, of whichBec Mac De said:
The 6th century features several conflicts between various groups within the kingdoms of Leinster, Uí Neill, and Connacht.
| Date | Battle | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | Druim Lochmaige(Lochmagh)[citation needed] | |
| 501 | Battle of Freamhain(Fréamu), inMeath | A battle between Failge Berraidhe(Berraide) and Fiacha, son of Niall. Failge Berraide was victor.The entry in theAnnals of the Four Masters reads:Alternate dates are provided below. |
| 501 | Battle of Cenn Ailbe | Coirpre victory overLaigin. Date provided by theAnnals of Ulster. |
| 503 | Druim Lochmaige | Leinster (Laigin) victory overUí Neill. Date provided by theAnnals of Ulster.[40] |
| 506 | Battle of Luachair[41] | Coirpre(Cairpre, Cucorb) victory over Uí Neill (Uibh Neill). Illann(Illada), son ofDunlaing, King ofLeinster (Laigen, Laighen), died. Poems in theAnnals of the Four Masters,Annals of Tigernach, andChronicon Scotorum reference the miraculous appearance ofSaint Brigit.[42][43][44] Alternate dates are provided below. |
| 507 | Battle of Druim Deargaighe(Derga, Deargaige) inMeath | Victory byFiacha(Fiachaidh), son of Niall, overFailge Berraidhe (Foilghe, Berraide) presumed king inLeinster (Laigin). A significant portion of the plain ofMeath(Mide, Midhe) spanning from Cluain In Dibhair (modern location unknown; possibly located inCounty Offaly)[45] toUisneach (Uisnech) was captured. The poet Ceannfaeladh(Cennfaeladh, Cendfaeladh) composed a poem about the battle that is featured in theAnnals of the Four Masters,Annals of Tigernach, and theChronicon Scotorum.[46][47][48][49] Alternate dates are provided below. |
| 510 | Battle of Freamhain(Fréamu), inMeath | A battle betweenFailge Berraidhe(Berraide) andFiacha, son of Niall.Failge Berraide was victor. Date provided by theAnnals of Ulster.[50] |
| 512 | Battle of Druim Deargaighe(Derga, Deargaige) inMeath | Victory byFiacha(Fiachaidh), son of Niall, overFailge Berraidhe (Foilghe, Berraide) presumed king inLeinster (Laigin). A significant portion of the plain ofMeath(Mide, Midhe) spanning from Cluain In Dibhair (modern location unknown; possibly located inCounty Offaly)[45] toUisneach (Uisnech) was captured. The poet Ceannfaeladh(Cennfaeladh, Cendfaeladh) composed a poem about the battle that is featured in theAnnals of the Four Masters,Annals of Tigernach, and theChronicon Scotorum.[46][47][48][49] Date provided by theChronicon Scotorum. |
| 513 | Battle of Druim Deargaighe(Derga, Deargaige) inMeath | Victory byFiacha(Fiachaidh), son of Niall, overFailge Berraidhe (Foilghe, Berraide) presumed king inLeinster (Laigin). A significant portion of the plain ofMeath(Mide, Midhe) spanning from Cluain In Dibhair (modern location unknown; possibly located inCounty Offaly)[45] toUisneach (Uisnech) was captured. The poet Ceannfaeladh(Cennfaeladh, Cendfaeladh) composed a poem about the battle that is featured in theAnnals of the Four Masters,Annals of Tigernach, and theChronicon Scotorum.[46][47][48][49] Date provided by theAnnals of Inisfallen. |
| 514 | Battle of Druim Deargaighe(Derga, Deargaige) inMeath | Victory byFiacha(Fiachaidh), son of Niall, over Failge Berraidhe (Foilghe, Berraide) presumed king ofLeinster (Laigin). A significant portion of the plain ofMeath(Mide, Midhe) spanning from Cluain In Dibhair (modern location unknown; possibly located inCounty Offaly)[45] toUisneach (Uisnech) was captured. The poet Ceannfaeladh(Cennfaeladh, Cendfaeladh) composed a poem about the battle that is featured in theAnnals of the Four Masters,Annals of Tigernach, and theChronicon Scotorum.[46][47][48][49] Date provided by theAnnals of Tigernach. |
| 524 | Battle of Luachair | Coirpre(Cairpre, Cucorb) victory over Uí Neill (Uibh Neill). Illann(Illada), son ofDunlaing, King ofLeinster (Laigen, Laighen), died. Date provided by theChronicon Scotorum.[51] |
| 525 | Battle of Luachair | Coirpre(Cairpre, Cucorb) victory over Uí Neill (Uibh Neill). Illann(Illada), son ofDunlaing, King ofLeinster (Laigen, Laighen), died. Date provided by theAnnals of Tigernach.[52] |
| 531 | Battle of Claenloch inCinel Aedh | "...in whichMaine son of Cearbhall(Cerball) fell defending the hostages ofUí Maine of Connacht.Goibnenn son of Conall king ofUí Fiachrach Aidhne was the victor(AT)." Date provided in theAnnals of the Four Masters.[53] Alternate dates are provided below. |
| 537 | Battle of Claenloch inCinel Aedh | Maine son of Cerball died defending hostages ofUí Maine of Connacht.Goibnenn son of Conall and king ofUí Fiachrach Aidhne, was the victor. Date provided by theAnnals of Tigernach.[54] |
| 537 | Battle of Sligeach(Sligech, Sligo, Slicech) | Eogan Bél(Eoghan Bel), King ofConnacht(Connachta), was slain by Fergus and Domnall, sons ofMuircheartach mac Earca, king of theUí Néill;Ainmire(Ainmuire, Ainmere), son of Senna(Setna); and Nindigh(Naindid), son of Duach(Dauí), founder of theCenél nDuach, and grandson ofConall Gulban, from whom descended theCenél Conaill, a series ofsepts of theNorthern Uí Néill.[55] The verse listed in theAnnals of the Four Masters reads:Date provided by theAnnals of the Four Masters. Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 538 | Battle of Claenloch inCinel Aedh | Maine son of Cerball died defending hostages ofUí Maine of Connacht.Goibnenn son of Conall and king ofUí Fiachrach Aidhne was the victor. Date provided by theAnnals of Ulster andChronicon Scotorum.[57][58] |
| 540 | Battle of Claenloch inCinel Aedh | Maine son of Cerball died defending hostages ofUí Maine of Connacht.Goibnenn son of Conall and king ofUí Fiachrach Aidhne was the victor. Date provided by theAnnals of Inisfallen.[59] |
| 542 | Battle of Tortan(Tortu) | Victory by theLagenians.Mac Erca, son ofAillil Molt, fell(AT).[60] Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 542 | Battle of Sligeach(Sligech, Sligo, Slicech) | Eogan Bél(Eoghan Bel), King ofConnacht(Connachta), was slain by Fergus and Domnall, sons ofMuircheartach mac Earca, king of theUí Néill;Ainmire(Ainmuire, Ainmere), son of Senna(Setna); and Nindigh(Naindid), son of Duach(Dauí), founder of theCenél nDuach, and grandson ofConall Gulban, from whom descended theCenél Conaill, a series ofsepts of theNorthern Uí Néill.[55] The verse listed in theAnnals of Tigernach reads:Date provided by theAnnals of Tigernach. Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 543 | Battle of Tortan(Tortu) | Victory by theLagenians.Mac Erca, son ofAillil Molt, fell. Date provided by theChronicon Scotorum.[62] |
| 543 | Battle of Sligeach(Sligech, Sligo, Slicech) | Eogan Bél(Eoghan Bel), King ofConnacht(Connachta), was slain by Fergus and Domnall, sons ofMuircheartach mac Earca, king of theUí Néill;Ainmire(Ainmuire, Ainmere), son of Senna(Setna); and Nindigh(Naindid), son of Duach(Dauí), founder of theCenél nDuach, and grandson ofConall Gulban, from whom descended theCenél Conaill, a series ofsepts of theNorthern Uí Néill.[55] The verse listed in theChronicon Scotorum reads:Date provided by theChronicon Scotorum. Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 544 | Battle of Cuil(Cúil) Conaire | Ailill "The Womanly"[64] Inbhanda(Ibanda), king ofConnacht and son ofEogan(Eoghan), and his brother Aodh(Aedh, Aed) "The Prevailing" Fortamhail(Fortobol, Fortamail), were slain by Fergus(Fearghus, Forgus) and Domhnall(Domnall), sons ofMac Erca(Earca), the king of theUí Néill. Date provided by theAnnals of the Four Masters.[65] Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 546 | Battle of Tortan(Tortu) | Victory by theLagenians.Mac Erca, son ofAillil Molt, fell. Date provided by theAnnals of Inisfallen.[66] |
| 546 | Battle of Cuilne(Cuilen) | Corco(Corcu) Oiche(Óche, Oche, Corcoiche) ofMunster(Mumu) was slain through the prayers ofSt. Ida (Íta) ofCluain Creadhail(Credail). Date provided by theAnnals of the Four Masters.[67] Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 546 | Battle of Sligeach(Sligech, Sligo, Slicech) | Eogan Bél(Eoghan Bel), King ofConnacht(Connachta), was slain by Fergus and Domnall, sons ofMuircheartach mac Earca, king of theUí Néill;Ainmire(Ainmuire, Ainmere), son of Senna(Setna); and Nindigh(Naindid), son of Duach(Dauí), founder of theCenél nDuach, and grandson ofConall Gulban, from whom descended theCenél Conaill, a series ofsepts of theNorthern Uí Néill. Date provided by theAnnals of Inisfallen.[55] |
| 547 | Battle of Sligeach(Sligech, Sligo, Slicech) | Eogan Bél(Eoghan Bel), King ofConnacht(Connachta), was slain by Fergus and Domnall, sons ofMuircheartach mac Earca, king of theUí Néill;Ainmire(Ainmuire, Ainmere), son of Senna(Setna); and Nindigh(Naindid), son of Duach(Dauí), founder of theCenél nDuach, and grandson ofConall Gulban, from whom descended theCenél Conaill, a series ofsepts of theNorthern Uí Néill. Date provided by theAnnals of Ulster.[68] |
| 548 | Battle of Tortan(Tortu) | Victory by theLagenians.Mac Erca, son ofAillil Molt, fell. Date provided by theAnnals of Ulster.[66] |
| 548 | Battle of Sligeach(Sligech, Sligo, Slicech) | Eogan Bél(Eoghan Bel), King ofConnacht(Connachta), was slain by Fergus and Domnall, sons ofMuircheartach mac Earca, king of theUí Néill;Ainmire(Ainmuire, Ainmere), son of Senna(Setna); and Nindigh(Naindid), son of Duach(Dauí), founder of theCenél nDuach, and grandson ofConall Gulban, from whom descended theCenél Conaill, a series ofsepts of theNorthern Uí Néill. Alternate date provided by theAnnals of Ulster.[69] |
| 549 | Battle of Cuil(Cúil) Conaire | Ailill "The Womanly"[64] Inbhanda(Ibanda), king ofConnacht and son ofEogan(Eoghan), and his brother Aodh(Aedh, Aed) "The Prevailing" Fortamhail(Fortobol, Fortamail), were slain by Fergus(Fearghus, Forgus) and Domhnall(Domnall), sons ofMac Erca(Earca), the king of theUí Néill. Date provided by theAnnals of Tigernach.[70] Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 550 | Battle of Cuil(Cúil) Conaire | Ailill "The Womanly"[64] Inbhanda(Ibanda), king ofConnacht and son ofEogan(Eoghan), and his brother Aodh(Aedh, Aed) "The Prevailing"[70] Fortamhail(Fortobol, Fortamail), were slain by Fergus(Fearghus, Forgus) and Domhnall(Domnall), sons ofMac Erca(Earca), the king of theUí Néill. Date provided by theAnnals of Ulster and theChronicon Scotorum.[71][72] |
| 551 | Battle of Cuilne(Cuilen) | Corco(Corcu) Oiche(Óche, Oche, Corcoiche) ofMunster(Mumu) was slain through the prayers ofSt. Ida (Íta) ofCluain Creadhail(Credail). Date provided by theAnnals of Tigernach.[73] Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 552 | Battle of Cuilne(Cuilen) | Corco(Corcu) Oiche(Óche, Oche, Corcoiche) ofMunster(Mumu) was slain through the prayers ofSt. Ida (Íta) ofCluain Creadhail(Credail). Date provided by theAnnals of Ulster and theChronicon Scotorum.[74][75] Alternate dates are listed below. |
| 553 | Battle of Cuilne(Cuilen) | Corco(Corcu) Oiche(Óche, Oche, Corcoiche) ofMunster(Mumu) was slain through the prayers ofSt. Ida (Íta) ofCluain Creadhail(Credail). Date provided by theAnnals of Inisfallen.[13] Alternate dates are listed below. |

c. 1570–1583, between the sons ofRichard Burke, 2nd Earl of Clanricarde
First Desmond Rebellion (1569–1573)
Second Desmond Rebellion (1579–1583)
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:
Only the major engagements of this period are listed below.