BattlefieldsBattle of Clontibret
Tudor

Battle of Clontibret

1595
Monaghan, Ireland
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Monaghan, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English Crown (Sir Henry Bagenal)
Forces
English c. 1,500–2,000.
VS
Victor
Hugh O'Neill (Ulster)
Forces
O'Neill/O'Donnell c. 4,000–6,000
Outcome
O'Neill ambushes and mauls English relief column
The Battle

History & Significance

The Nine Years War began in earnest. Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, ambushed a large English force trying to relieve Monaghan Fort. The English suffered heavy casualties. Clontibret was the first major engagement of the Nine Years War and proved O'Neill had transformed the Irish kern and galloglass into an effective combined-arms army capable of meeting English musketeers in open country.

Casualties & Losses

Several hundred English killed; O'Neill's losses light

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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