List of conflicts 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:

• 2530 AM (Anno Mundi) – Battle of Mag Itha, the first recorded battle in Ireland
• 3304 AM – First Battle of Magh Tuireadh
• 3330 AM – Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh
• 76 AD (Anno Domini) – Battle at the hill of Achall (Túathal Techtmar defeats Elim mac Conrach)
• 195 AD – Battle of Maigh Mucruimhe
• 226 AD – Crinna, in Brega
• 283 AD – Cath Gabhra (the Battle of Gowra)
• 331 AD – Battle of Achadh Leith-dheirg

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 ^{[citation needed]}
• 482 – Battle of Ocha (Ochae) - Aillil Molt defeat. The entry in the Chronicon Scotorum reads:

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:

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 ^{[citation needed]}
• 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 ^{[citation needed]}
• 492 – Sleamhain (Slemain) in Meath (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).
• 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 ^{[citation needed]}
• 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 ^{[citation needed]}
• 496 - Battle of Cenn Ailbe - Coirpre victory over Leinster (CS). Alternate dates listed below.
• 497 – Inde Mor, in Crioch Ua nGabhla ^{[citation needed]}
• 497 - Sleamhain (Slemain, Sleamain) of Meath (Mide) - date provided in the Annals of Tigernach. Coirpre victory over Laigin.
• 499 – Seaghais ^{[citation needed]}
• 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 ^{[citation needed]}
• 501 – Freamhain, in Meath ^{[citation needed]}
• 501 - Battle of Cenn Ailbe - alternate date listed in the Annals of Ulster. Coirpre victory over Laigin (AU).
• 506 – Luachair ^{[citation needed]}
• 507 – Druim Deargaighe ^{[citation needed]}
• 528 – Luachair ^{[citation needed]}
• 531 – Claenloch ^{[citation needed]}
• 537 – Sligeach ^{[citation needed]}
• 544 – Cuil Conaire
• 546 – Cuilne ^{[citation needed]}
• 556 – Cuil Uinnsenn ^{[citation needed]}
• 560 – Battle of Cúl Dreimhne ('Battle of the Book')
• 561 – Cul Dremne ^{[citation needed]}
• 563 – Moin Dairi Lothar ^{[citation needed]}
• 571 – Battle of Tola ^{[citation needed]}
• 572 – Battle of Doete ^{[citation needed]}
• 579 – Druim Mic Earca ^{[citation needed]}
• 585 – Kalketh ^{[citation needed]}
• 590 – Eadan Mor ^{[citation needed]}
• 594 – Dun Bolg ^{[citation needed]}
• 597 – Battle of Sleamhain ^{[citation needed]}
• 598 – Eachros ^{[citation needed]}

7th century

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

8th century

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

9th century

• 800 – Ardrahan ^{[citation needed]}
• 820 – Carn Conain ^{[citation needed]}
• 845 – Dunamase ^{[citation needed]}
• 848 – Battle of Skryne ^{[citation needed]}
• 851 – Battle of Dundalk ^{[citation needed]}
• 877 – Battle of Strangford Lough

10th century

• 908 – Battle of Bellaghmoon
• 917 – Battle of Confey
• 919 – Battle of Islandbridge
• 967/8 – Battle of Sulcoit
• 967/8 – Burning of Luimnech
• 977/8 – Battle of Cathair Cuan
• 978 – Battle of Belach Lechta
• 980 – Battle of Tara
• 994 – Sack of Domhnach Padraig ^{[citation needed]}
• 994 – Sack of Aenach Thete ^{[citation needed]}
• 999 – Battle of Glenmama

11th century

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

12th century

• 1101 – Battle of Grianan ^{[citation needed]}
• 1103 – Battle of Magh Cobha
• 1132 – Siege of Dún Béal Gallimhe
• 1149 – Siege of Dún Béal Gallimhe
• 1151 – Battle of Móin Mhór
• 1169/05 – Beginning of the Norman invasion of Ireland
• 1169/05 – Battle of Duncormac, County Wexford – Norman victory over a combined Irish-Norse force
• 1169/05 – Siege of Wexford – Norman victory over a combined Irish-Norse force
• 1169/05 – Battle of Gowran – Norman defeat
• 1170/05 – Battle of Dundonnell (aka Battle of Baginbun), County Wexford – Norman victory over a combined Irish-Norse force
• 1170/08 – Battle of Waterford – Norman victory over a combined Irish-Norse force
• 1170/09 – Sack of Dublin – Norman victory over a combined Irish-Norse force
• 1171/08 – Siege of Dublin – Norman victory
• 1171 – Battle of Carrick – Norman defeat
• 1173 – Battle of Kilkenny – Norman defeat
• 1174 – Battle of Thurles – Norman defeat
• 1175 – Battle of Meath – Norman victory
• 1175 – Battle of Athlone – Norman victory
• 1175 – Battle of Drogheda – Norman victory
• 1176 – Battle of Meath – Norman defeat
• 1176 – Battle of Armagh – Norman defeat
• 1192 – Battle of Aughera – Norman defeat ^{[citation needed]}

13th century

• 1224 – Sack of Ard Abla ^{[citation needed]}
• 1225 – Sack of Loch Nen ^{[citation needed]}
• 1225 – Sack of Ardrahan ^{[citation needed]}
• 1230 – Siege of Dún Béal Gallimhe
• 1230 – Findcairn ^{[citation needed]}
• 1232 – Siege of Dún Béal Gallimhe
• 1234 – Battle of the Curragh
• 1235 – Siege of Dún Béal Gallimhe
• 1247 – Battle of Ballyshannon
• 1247 – Siege of Dún Béal Gallimhe
• 1249 – First Battle of Athenry
• 1256 – Battle of Magh Slecht
• 1257 – Battle of Creadran Cille
• 1257 – Sack of Sligo ^{[citation needed]}
• 1260 – Battle of Druim Dearg
• 1261 – Battle of Callann
• 1270 – Battle of Áth-an-Chip

14th century

15th century

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

16th century

• 1504 – Battle of Knockdoe – Fitzgeralds of Kildare defeat the Clanricarde Burkes
• 1522 – Battle of Knockavoe – Clash between O'Donnells and O'Neills
• 1534 – Battle of Salcock Wood- A force from Dublin is defeated by a coalition of the O'Tooles and Fitzgerald supporters.
• 1534 – Siege of Dublin Castle by 'Silken' Thomas Fitzgerald in Kildare
• 1535 – Siege of Maynooth Castle, the chief residence of Fitzgerald, by English forces
• 1539 – Battle of Bellahoe Ford – A force led by Leonard Grey routs an O'Donnell/O'Neill force
• 1557 – Battle of Binnion Hill, O'Donnell victory over the O'Neills
• 1559 – Battle of Spancel Hill, a conflict over the O'Brien succession
• 1565 – Battle of Glentasie – Shane O'Neill defeats the MacDonnells of Clan Iain Mor
• 1565 – Battle of Affane – Fitzgeralds of Desmond defeated by Butlers of Ormond
• 1567 – Battle of Farsetmore – Shane O'Neill defeated by O'Donnell clan
• 1570 – Battle of Shrule
• 1575 – Rathlin Island Massacre
• 1583 – Battle of Aura – McQuillans, MacDonnells and O'Neills fight for control of Dunluce Castle
• 1586 – Battle of Ardnaree – Mercenary Scots entering Connacht are surprised and destroyed by Bingham's army
• 1590 – Battle of Doire Leathan – part of the O'Donnell Succession dispute

17th century

18th century

• 1760 – Battle of Carrickfergus – Carrickfergus seized by the French for five days.
• 1795 – Battle of the Diamond – a sectarian faction fight in County Armagh, that led to the founding of the Orange Order

19th century

• 1803 – Irish rebellion of 1803: failed republican uprising led by Robert Emmet.
• 1831–1836 – Tithe War: a period of rural insurgency over the payment of tithes to the Church of Ireland by non-members.
• 1848 – Young Ireland rebellion: failed Irish nationalist uprising by the Young Ireland group.
• 1867 – Fenian Rising: an abortive attempt at a nationwide rebellion by the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
• 1879–1882 – Land War: A period of agitation in rural Ireland led by The Irish National Land League, the main aims of the war were to get Free sale, fixity of tenure, and fair rent for the tenant farmers.

20th century

Dissident Irish Republican Campaign

Notes

Sources