Battle of Islandbridge

In 919, a number of Irish Kings joined together to try and expel the Vikings from Dublin once more. The native Irish coalition was led by Niall Glúndub, overking of Northern Ui Néill and High King of Ireland against the Dublin Based Vikings of the Uí Ímair led by Sitric Cáech.

The ruling Vikings of Dublin had been expelled from the city in 902, however this was only temporary and Viking raids continued into Irish settlements.

In 914, a large fleet came to the previously Viking held city of Waterford and in the following year more settled in Limerick.

In 917 two prominent members of the Vikings of Uí Ímair, Ragnall and Sitric Cáech sailed two fleets to Ireland. Ragnall landed in Waterford and Sitric landed at Cenn Fuait in Leinster. Several Irish kings joined forces to try and drive the Vikings away again. At the Battle of Mag Femen in Brega the Vikings won a great Victory over the Irish forces and then another at Cenn Fuait. Sitric led his men on a triumphant return to Dublin re-establishing Viking control and installing himself as King while Ragnall returned to England.

In 919, the Irish Kings Niall Glúndub of Northern Ui Néill, Áed mac Eochocáin of Ulster, Máel Mithig mac Flannacain of Brega, Mael Craibe mac Duibsinig of Airgilla, Conchobarmac Flann of Mide and Cellach mac Fogartaig of South Brega intended to push the Vikings from Dublin. The Irish Kings were emboldened by the departure of Ragnall back to England and marched against the Vikings.

The Irish forces and Vikings met near Islandbridge (modern day County Dublin) on the 14^th September 919. The battle was a disaster for the Irish, the Kings Niall Glúndub, Áed mac Eochocáin, Máel Mithig mac Flannacain, Mael Craibe mac Duibsinig, Conchobar mac Flainn and Cellach mac Fogartaig were all slain in the battle along with many Irish nobles. The failure of the coalition to drive out the Vikings ensured their hold on Dublin remained strong until 1014.

 

 

(I do not own the rights to the images used, they are artist’s own impressions)