BattlefieldsBattle of Belach Lechta
Early Medieval

Battle of Belach Lechta

978
Cork, Ireland
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Cork, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Munster coalition
Forces
Munster coalition c.1,500–2,500; pitched battle.
VS
Victor
Brian Boru (Dal Cais)
Forces
Brian Boru c.1,500–2,500
Outcome
Brian defeats rivals; secures kingship of Munster
The Battle

History & Significance

After his brother Mathgamain was treacherously killed (976), Brian Boru avenged him and consolidated Munster. The battle of Belach Lechta was one of Brian's key victories in securing undisputed control over Munster before turning north to challenge the Uí Néill High Kingship.

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