BattlefieldsBattle of Benburb
English Civil War

Battle of Benburb

1646
Tyrone, Ireland
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Tyrone, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scottish Covenanters and Ulster Protestants (Robert Monro)
Forces
Scottish/Ulster c.3,000-3,500
VS
Victor
Confederate Catholics (Owen Roe O'Neill)
Forces
Confederate Catholics c.5,000-6,000
Outcome
Decisive Confederate victory; Monro's army destroyed
The Battle

History & Significance

Owen Roe O'Neill's masterpiece and the greatest Irish victory of the Confederate period. O'Neill waited until Monro's army — exhausted after crossing the River Blackwater — was strung out, then attacked. Monro's army was destroyed: over 3,000 killed and all artillery captured. Monro himself fled. The victory gave Owen Roe complete control of Ulster. However, Confederate political divisions prevented exploitation of the victory, and O'Neill died in 1649 before Cromwell arrived.

Casualties & Losses

c.3,000 Scots/Protestants killed; Irish losses light

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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