An Irish alliance under High King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair defeated Anglo-Norman forces at Thurles, temporarily halting English expansion into Munster.
Key Facts
- Date
- October 1174
- Location
- Near Thurles, County Tipperary
- Anglo-Norman commander
- Earl Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare
- Irish commander
- High King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair
- English casualties reported
- 1700 men
- Outcome
- Irish victory; English army retreated to Waterford
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, Earl Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare led an expedition into Munster with the aim of plundering the province. High King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair marched to defend Munster, prompting the Anglo-Normans to call on the Ostmen of Dublin for additional support before converging near Thurles.
An alliance of Irish forces including the Dalcassians under Donnell O'Brien, contingents from West Connaught and Sil-Murray, and troops loyal to the High King met the Anglo-Norman army near Thurles. A pitched battle was fought in which the Irish decisively defeated the English, reportedly killing 1,700 of their number.
Strongbow and the surviving Anglo-Norman forces retreated in defeat to Waterford, temporarily checking English expansion into Munster. Donnell O'Brien returned home in triumph, and the battle stands as one of the more notable Irish military successes during the broader Anglo-Norman conquest of Ireland.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (High King), Donnell O'Brien.
Side B
1 belligerent
Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare.