Pre-historic Irish battles
Encyclopedia
This is a list of battles in early Irish history
, as mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters
. The Annals were written in the early 17th century and some of the battles listed here may have been mythological.
Anno Mundi
Anno Domini
Early history of Ireland
The early medieval history of Ireland, often called Early Christian Ireland, spans the 5th to 8th centuries, from the gradual emergence out of the protohistoric period to the beginning of the Viking Age...
, as mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters
Annals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
. The Annals were written in the early 17th century and some of the battles listed here may have been mythological.
Anno MundiAnno Mundi' , abbreviated as AM or A.M., refers to a Calendar era based on the Biblical creation of the world. Numerous efforts have been made to determine the Biblical date of Creation, yielding varying results. Besides differences in interpretation, which version of the Bible is being referenced also...
- Reign of Ceasair, 2242-???? - No warfare.
- Reign of Parthalon, 2520-50
- 2530 - Magh ItheMagh ItheMagh Ithe was the location of the first recorded battle fought in Ireland, dated to 2530 Anno Mundi , or 2670 BC, in the Annals of the Four Masters...
, first recorded battle in Ireland.- Reign of NeimhidhNemedNemed , meaning "holy" or "privileged" is a figure of Irish mythology who features in The Book of Invasions...
, 2850-59
- Reign of Neimhidh
- Murbholg, in Dál RiataDál RiataDál Riata was a Gaelic overkingdom on the western coast of Scotland with some territory on the northeast coast of Ireland...
- Baghna
- Cnamh Ross
- Reign of Eochaidh mac ErcEochaid mac EircIn Irish mythology Eochaid , son of Erc, son of Rinnal, of the Fir Bolg became High King of Ireland when he overthrew Fodbgen. He was the first king to establish a system of justice in Ireland. No rain fell during his reign, only dew, and there was a harvest every year.His wife was Teia Tephi...
, 3294-3304.
- Reign of Eochaidh mac Erc
- 3304 - First Battle of Magh Tuireadh, in Conmaicne Toland.
- Reign of Nuadhat Airgeatlamh, 3311-30.
- 3330 - Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh
- Reign of Lugh LamhfhadaLughLug or Lugh is an Irish deity represented in mythological texts as a hero and High King of the distant past. He is known by the epithets Lámhfhada , for his skill with a spear or sling, Ildánach , Samhildánach , Lonnbeimnech and Macnia , and by the...
, 3330-3370.
- Reign of Lugh Lamhfhada
- 3370 - Caendruim.
- Joint-Reign of Mac CuillMac CuillIn Irish mythology, Mac Cuill of the Tuatha Dé Danann, was a son of Cermait, son of the Dagda. Mac Cuill's given name was Éthur and he was named Mac Cuill after his god, Coll, the hazel. His wife was Banba....
, Mac CechtMac CechtIn Irish mythology, Mac Cecht of the Tuatha Dé Danann was a son of Cermait, son of the Dagda. Mac Cecht's given name was Téthur and he was named Mac Cecht after his god, Cecht, the ploughshare. His wife was Fodla....
, and Mac GreineMac GréineIn Irish mythology, Mac Gréine of the Tuatha Dé Danann was a son of Cermait, son of the Dagda. Mac Gréine's given name was Céthur and was named Mac Gréine after his god, Grian, the sun. Mac Gréine is Irish for "Son of the Sun". His wife was Ériu....
, 3471-3500.
- Joint-Reign of Mac Cuill
- 3500 - Sliabh Mis, Tuatha de Danann defeated by the sons of Milidh
- 3500 - TailtinnTelltownTelltown is an outdated place name in County Meath, Ireland, for the area between Navan and Kells. It was named for the Irish mythological figure or goddess, Tailtiu...
.- Joint-Reign of Eremhon and Emher, 3501.
- 3501 - Geisill, fought at Tochar Eter Da Mhagh near Bri Damh
- Reign of Eremhon 3502-16.
- 3502 - Cuil Caichir
- 3503 - Biletineadh
- 3506 - BreoganBreogánBreogán son of Brath was a mythical Celtic king from Galicia. Various accounts exist of this mythological father of the Galician nation. His sons were Ith and Bile . Bile was the father of Mil Espaine....
, in Feimhin - 3510 - Comhraire, in MeathKingdom of MideMide , spelt Midhe in modern Irish and anglicised as Meath, was a medieval kingdom in Ireland for over 1,000 years. Its name means "middle", denoting the fact that lay in the middle of Ireland....
- Joint Reign of Muimhne, Luighne, Laighne, sons of Eremon, 3517-19.
- 3519 - Ard Ladhron
- Joint-Reign of Er, Orba, Fearon, Fergen, sons of Emher, first half of 3519.
- 3519 - Cuil Marta
- Reign of Irial Faidh, 3519-329.
- Ard Inmaoith, in Teathbha
- Tenmaighe
- Lochmaighe
- Reign of Conmael 3549-79.
- 3549 - Raeire
- Geisill
- BerraBerraBerra is a comune in the Province of Ferrara in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, located about 70 km northeast of Bologna and about 30 km northeast of Ferrara...
- Sliabh Beatha, in Ui Creamhthainn
- UchaUchaUcha is a Portuguese parish, located in the municipality of Barcelos. It has a population of 1,359 inhabitants and a total area of 4.39 km²....
- Cnucha
- Sliabh Modhairn
- Clere
- Carnmor
- Loch Lein
- Ele
- 3579 - Aenach Macha
- Reign of Tighearnmas, 3580-3656.
- Elle
- Lochmagh
- Cul Ard, in Magh Inis
- Cuil Fraechan
- Magh Techt
- Commar
- Cul Athguirt, in Seimhne
- Ard Niadh, in ConnaughtConnachtConnacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
- Carn Fearadhaigh
- Cnamh Choill, in ConnaughtConnachtConnacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
- Cuil Feadha
- Reabh
- Congnaidhe, Tuath Eabha
- Cluain Cuas, in Teathbha
- Cluain Muirsge, in Breifne
- Two Battles of Cuil, in Argat Ross
- Ele
- BerraBerraBerra is a comune in the Province of Ferrara in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, located about 70 km northeast of Bologna and about 30 km northeast of Ferrara...
- Seven Battles of Loch Lughdhach
- Two Further Battles of Argat Ross
- Three Battles of the Firbolgs
- Cuil Fothair
- Reign of Eochaidh Eadghadhach, 3664-67.
- 3667 - Teamhair
- Joint-Reign of Sobhairce and Cearmna Finn, sons of Ebric mac Emher: 3668-3707.
- Reign of Eochaidh Faebhar Ghlas mac Conmael: 3708-3727.
- Luachair Deadhadh
- Fosadh Da Ghort
- Comar Tri nUisge
- Tuaim Drecon, in Ui Briuin Breifne
- Druim Liathain
- 3727 - CarmanCarmanIn Irish mythology, Carman or Carmun was a warrior-woman and sorceress from Athens who tried to invade Ireland in the days of the Tuatha Dé Danann, along with her three sons, Dub , Dother and Dian...
- Reign of Fiacha Labhrainne: 3728-51.
- Gathlach
- Fairrge
- Sliabh Feimhin
- Magh Ernai
- 3751- Bealgadan
- Reign of Eochaidh Mumho mac Mofebis: 3752-72.
- 3772 - Cliach
- Reign of Aengus Olmucadha mac Fiacha Labhrainne: 3773-90.
- Clere
- Cuirce
- Sliabh Cailge, in Corca Bhaiscinn
- Ros Fraechan, in Muirisc
- Carn Riceadha
- Cuil Ratha, in South Munster
- Sliabh Cua
- Ard Achadh
- Fifty Battles of the Cruithean Tuath and Firbolgs
- Twelve Battles of the Longbardai
- Four battles of the Colaisti
- 3790 - Carmann
- Reign of Enna Airgtheach: 3791-3817.
- 3817 - Raighne
- 4815 - Tara.
- 4907 - Ard Crimhthainn.
- 5089 - Aillinn.
- 5090 - Cliach, in Ui Drona.
- 5160 - Bruighean Da Dhearg
Anno DominiAnno Domini and Before Christ are designations used to label or number years used with the Julian and Gregorian calendars....
- 7676Year 76 was a leap year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Augustus and Vespasianus...
- Aichill - 106106Year 106 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Commodus and Civica...
- Moin An Chatha, in Magh Line, Dal Araidhe. - 122122Year 122 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Aviola and Neratius...
- Magh hAgha - 157157Year 157 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Civica and Aquillus...
- Tuath Amrois. - 186186Year 186 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Aurelius and Glabrio...
- Ceannfeabhrat. - 195195Year 195 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Scrapula and Clemens...
- battle of Maigh MucruimheBattle of Maigh MucruimheThe Cath Maige Mucrama , is an early Middle Irish language tale which forms part of the Cycles of the Kings.-Content:...
. - 226226Year 226 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Severus and Marcellus...
- Crinna, in BregaKings of Brega-Overview:Brega took its name from Mag Breg, the plain of Brega, in modern County Meath, County Louth and County Dublin, Ireland. They formed part of the Uí Néill kindred, belonging to the Síl nÁedo Sláine branch of the southern Uí Néill. The kingdom of Brega included the Hill of Tara, the site...
. - 236236Year 236 was a leap year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Verus and Africanus...
- Eu, Magh nAi. - 236236Year 236 was a leap year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Verus and Africanus...
- EthEthEth is a letter used in Old English, Icelandic, Faroese , and Elfdalian. It was also used in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages, but was subsequently replaced with dh and later d. The capital eth resembles a D with a line through the vertical stroke...
. - 236236Year 236 was a leap year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Verus and Africanus...
- Ceann Daire. - 236236Year 236 was a leap year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Verus and Africanus...
- Sruth. - 236236Year 236 was a leap year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Verus and Africanus...
- Slighe Cuailgne. - 237237Year 237 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Perpetuus and Felix...
- Ath Beatha - 237237Year 237 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Perpetuus and Felix...
- Dumha - 238238Year 238 was a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Pius and Pontianus...
- Three Battles of Cuiltochair. - 238238Year 238 was a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Pius and Pontianus...
- Three Battles of Dubhadh. - 239239Year 239 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Aviola...
- Allamagh - 239239Year 239 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Aviola...
- Seven Battles of Elve - 240240Year 240 was a leap year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Sabinus and Venustus...
- Magh Techt - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- Berre - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- Loch Lein - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- Luimneach - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- GrianGrianGrian or Greaney is the name of a river, a lake, and region in the portion of the Sliabh Aughty mountains in County Clare. It formed part of the boundary of the kingdom of Síol Anmchadha.... - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- Classach - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- Muiresc - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- Fearta - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- SamhainSamhainSamhain is a Gaelic harvest festival held on October 31–November 1. It was linked to festivals held around the same time in other Celtic cultures, and was popularised as the "Celtic New Year" from the late 19th century, following Sir John Rhys and Sir James Frazer... - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- Ard Cam - 241241Year 241 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gordianus and Pompeianus...
- Massacre of Cleanfearta - 248248Year 248 was a leap year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Philippus and Severus...
- Fochard Muirtheimhne - 262262Year 262 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Gallienus and Faustianus...
- Crionna Fregabhail - 265265Year 265 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Valerianus and Lucillus...
- Seven Battles of the Desi - 271271Year 271 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Aurelianus and Bassus...
- Year of The Three Battles - 272272Year 272 was a leap year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Postumius and Veldumnianus...
- Year of The Four Battles - 283283Year 283 was a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Carus and Carinus...
- Ath Brea, on the BoyneRiver BoyneThe River Boyne is a river in Leinster, Ireland, the course of which is about long. It rises at Trinity Well, Newbury Hall, near Carbury, County Kildare, and flows towards the Northeast through County Meath to reach the Irish Sea between Mornington, County Meath and Baltray, County Louth. Salmon... - 284284Year 284 was a leap year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Carinus and Numerianus...
- Gabhra Aichle - 285285Year 285 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Carinus and Aurelius...
- Ollarba, in Magh Line - 291291Year 291 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Tiberianus and Dio...
- Duibhlinn - 291291Year 291 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Tiberianus and Dio...
- The Three Battles of Sliabh Toadh - 291291Year 291 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Tiberianus and Dio...
- Smear - 291291Year 291 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Tiberianus and Dio...
- Ciarmhagh - 322322Year 322 was a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Probianus and Iulianus...
- Dubhchomar, in Crioch Rois, in Breagh - 331331Year 331 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Bassus and Ablabius...
- Achadh LeithdheirgAchaidh LeithdeirccCath Achaidh Leithdeircc h-i Fernmoigh The Battle of Achadh Leithdheirg, in Fearnmhagh took place in 331The place of the battle has been disputed*Farney, Monaghan, County Monaghan*Loughbrickland, County Down...
, in Fearnmhagh - 356356Year 356 was a leap year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Constantius and Iulianus...
- Portrigh