BattlefieldsBattle of Scariffhollis
English Civil War

Battle of Scariffhollis

1650
Donegal, Ireland
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Donegal, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Confederate Ulster Irish (Bishop Heber MacMahon)
Forces
Ulster Confederate Irish c.2,000–3,000.
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Sir Charles Coote)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.2,500–3,500
Outcome
Ulster Confederate army annihilated; MacMahon captured and executed
The Battle

History & Significance

After Owen Roe O'Neill's death (1649), Bishop MacMahon took command of the Ulster Confederate army. His rash attack on Parliamentary forces at Scariffhollis near Letterkenny was catastrophic. The Ulster Confederate army was destroyed and MacMahon executed. This ended organised Confederate resistance in Ulster.

Casualties & Losses

c.2,000 Ulster Irish killed; MacMahon captured and hanged

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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