Battle of Tara (Ireland)

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Battle of Tara
Part of the Viking Invasions of Ireland
Malachy MacDonnell, King of Meath
Date 980 Location Near the Hill of Tara, Meath Result Meath/Irish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Meath	Kingdom of Dublin Vikings
Commanders and leaders
Malachy MacDonnell	Olaf Sigtryggsson
Strength
Unknown	At least 2,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Entire army destroyed

The Battle of Tara was fought between the Gaelic Irish of Meath, led by Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill, and the Norse Vikings of Dublin, led by Amlaíb Cuarán. It took place near the Hill of Tara in Ireland in the year 980. From the period of 950-980 AD, the Vikings had formed temporary alliances with certain Irish clans, enabling them to continue their perennial raids and plunder of the island, however they faced resistance from an alliance of Irish rulers who wanted to eliminate the Viking presence in southern Ireland.^[1] The battle was a devastating defeat for the Vikings and led to the Irish regaining control of Dublin.