Battle of Moira facts for kids

The Battle of Moira, also known as the Battle of Magh Rath, was a huge fight in the summer of 637. It was fought between Domnall II, the High King of Ireland, and his foster son Congal Cáech. Congal was the King of Ulaid and was helped by his friend Domnall Brecc, who was the King of Dál Riata.

The High King Domnall II and his army won a big victory. Sadly, Congal Cáech was killed during the battle. People believe this battle happened near the woods of Killultagh, close to the village of Moira in County Down. Some say it was the biggest battle ever fought in Ireland. However, some experts think the battle might have happened near Newry, also in County Down.

Why Did They Fight?

Ireland's Many Kingdoms in the 600s

Back in the 600s, Ireland was not one country. It was made up of many small kingdoms. These kingdoms often fought each other. Their loyalties were based on family groups and alliances. Sometimes, kingdoms from Great Britain, especially Scotland, got involved in Irish affairs. For example, the Dál Riata kingdom had parts in both Ireland and Scotland. Family groups often lived on both sides of the Irish Sea. Alliances between these small kingdoms changed all the time.

The Rise of Domnall and Congal

Congal Cáech first became powerful in Dál Riata. He became its king. Then, in 627, he was also recognized as the King of Ulaid. His plans soon clashed with Domnall II. Domnall II became the High King of Ireland in 628. It's interesting because Domnall II became High King only after Congal defeated and killed the previous High King, Suibne Menn. Suibne was a distant cousin of Domnall.

Domnall quickly showed his power. In 628, he attacked Leinster to secure his role as High King. Some old writings say that Congal had actually become High King first. So, Domnall might have taken the position from Congal. Either way, they became enemies.

The First Clash and Congal's Return

Domnall pushed his rivalry quickly. In 629, the two kings fought at the Battle of Dún Ceithirn. This battle was in what is now County Londonderry. Congal was defeated and ran away to Scotland to find help. Domnall was then the unchallenged High King.

Throughout the 630s, Domnall kept fighting his rivals. But in 637, Congal decided to challenge the High King again. He got help from the Dál Riata. Congal came back from Scotland. He gathered his Irish armies. These armies were also supported by a mixed Dál Riata army. This Dál Riata army included many soldiers from Britain, especially Scots.

Where Did the Battle Happen?

In 637, the village of Moira was much smaller than it is today. But there was at least a motte there. A motte is a type of mound. You can still see the mound in the village today. The area was also much more forested back then. There were large woods near the village. As mentioned, the battle might also have happened near Newry. That area is now full of old historical sites.

What Happened During the Battle?

The Armies and Their March

We don't know much about the battle itself. Domnall I of Dál Riata brought a very mixed army. His army included Scots, Picts, Anglo-Saxons, and Britons (Welshmen). There were about 50,000 men on each side. It is thought that at least one side had many horse soldiers.

Congal and his army probably landed near Dunseverick. This was after they returned from Scotland. He might have planned to march to Tara. Tara was where the High King lived. One of the main roads from Tara went north and ended at Dunseverick. There was a bridge near modern Moira that crossed the Lagan. Domnall II gathered his army at Tara. He marched north to meet the enemy. Congal marched south to meet him. The two armies, with 100,000 men in total, met at Moira.

The Fight and Its End

According to Sir Samuel Ferguson, the fight might have lasted a whole week. At the end, the defeated army ran away towards the woods of Killultagh. The armies of Ulaid and Dál Riata were beaten. Domnall of Dál Riata had to flee north to his kingdom. Congal was killed during the battle.

The huge size of the battle was confirmed in the 1800s. This was when the Ulster Railway was being built through Moira. Workers found the remains of thousands of men and horses during their digging. When you think that many more people survived, you can see how big this battle truly was.

What Happened After the Battle?

Impact on the Kingdoms

With Congal's death, the chance for Dál nAraidi and its allies to stop Domnall was gone. The Ulaid kingdom had to accept the High King's power. But they were not completely taken over. For Dál Riata, the results were much worse. The defeat on land at Moira happened on the same day as a naval defeat. At the Battle of the Mull of Kintyre, the High King's fleet defeated Dál Riata's ships. Because of both battles, the High King's forces could take over Dál Riata's lands in north Antrim. These lands were now unprotected.

Long-Term Changes

As a direct result of the battle, the Uí Néill dynasty became very powerful in the north of Ireland. Their family members would rule parts of the land for almost a thousand years. This lasted until the Flight of the Earls in 1607.

Some of the areas around modern Moira get their names from the battle. For example, Aughnafosker means 'Field of Slaughter' in Irish. Also, Carnalbanagh means 'The Scotsman's Grave'. In Carnalbanagh, there was a large stone pillar in a field. It marked where many Scottish princes killed in the battle were buried. However, a farmer removed the stone in the late 1800s.