BattlefieldsBattle of Downpatrick (1177)
Medieval

Battle of Downpatrick (1177)

1177
Down, Ireland
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Down, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Ulster (Ruaidrí Mac Duinn Sléibe)
Forces
Ulster force: c.500–1,200.
VS
Victor
Normans (John de Courcy)
Forces
Normans (de Courcy): c.300–600
Outcome
Norman conquest of Ulster begun; Downpatrick taken
The Battle

History & Significance

John de Courcy led an unauthorised private invasion of Ulster and defeated the king of Dál Fiatach at Downpatrick. He went on to establish the Earldom of Ulster. Downpatrick, with its associations with St Patrick, was a major prize. De Courcy would go on to fight many battles against Ulster kings over the next 20 years.

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