Battle of Sulcoit

Battle of Sulcoit
Part of the Viking activities in Ireland
Date968
Location
Result Irish victory
Belligerents
Dalcassians Kingdom of Limerick
Commanders and leaders
Mathgamhain mac Cinnéidigh
Brian Boru
Ivar of Limerick
Strength
unknown 1000+
Casualties and losses
light heavy

The Battle of Sulcoit was fought in the year 968 between the Irish of the Dál gCais, led by Brian Boru, and the Vikings of Limerick, led by Ivar of Limerick. It was a victory for the Dál gCais and marked the end of Norse expansion in Ireland. It was also the first of three battles that highlight the career of Brian Boru. The battle took place during a military campaign led by Ivar of Limerick into Dál gCais territory. After the battle, the Dál gCais seized and burned the Viking stronghold of Limerick.

Annals of Inisfallen AI967.2: "A defeat of the foreigners of Luimnech by Mathgamain, son of Cennétig, at Sulchuait, and Luimnech was burned by him before noon on the following day."

Annals of Ulster U967.5: "Mathgamain son of Cennáitig, king of Caisel, plundered and burned Luimnech."

The annals only offer the above brief report of the battle and the plundering of Limerick the following day. The only extended account of the battle, including background, mustering, and aftermath, is found in the controversial Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib.[1]

  1. ^ Todd, pp. 70 ff

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