Cell Ua nDaigri
Archived: 28 October 2026
Abstract
In 868, Áed Findliath, king of Tara, defeated a coalition of Brega, Leinster and Scandinavian fighters at Cell Ua nDaigri, probably near Killineer. Dated to 6 September by Chronicon Scotorum, the battle killed Flann of Brega and many allies, while Áed’s forces also suffered serious losses. It demonstrated both Tara’s contested authority and Vikings’ role as participants in Irish dynastic politics. Annals also recorded deaths of abbots and scribes, including leaders at Clonmacnoise, Glendalough and Tallaght, revealing monastic institutions’ importance. A water event in Sliab Cualann and a Martinmas windstorm completed a year marked by conflict, ecclesiastical change and uncertainty.