BattlefieldsSiege of Dublin (1171) — Irish countersiege
Medieval

Siege of Dublin (1171) — Irish countersiege

1171
Dublin, Ireland
Also known as: Siege of Dublin by Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
High King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (Connacht)
VS
Victor
Normans (Strongbow)
Outcome
Irish siege fails; Norman sortie routs besieging force
The Battle

History & Significance

Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair besieged Dublin with a large Irish army and a Norse fleet. After two months, Norman cavalry made a surprise sortie and routed the Irish camp. The failure of the siege effectively ended Irish attempts to expel the Normans by main force. Strongbow negotiated with King Henry II, who then came to Ireland to assert royal authority.

Forces Involved

Ruaidrí: c.3,000–5,000 men + Norse fleet. Strongbow: c.500–800 men.

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