The Battle of Argaman
Archived: 30 October 2026
Irish annals conventionally date 764, despite chronological uncertainty, as a year of disruption. Exceptional snow, famine, drought and an intestinal sickness afflicted Ireland, though their precise effects remain unknown. The battle of Argaman saw Clonmacnoise defeat Durrow, with Durrow leaders Diarmait Dub and Diglach among 200 dead, while Bresal of Clonmacnoise was killed. The conflict reflected monasteries’ roles as wealthy, politically connected communities, not solely religious houses. Other notices record battles, deaths of abbots and kings, and Connacht’s king Ailill. Later sources add regional conflicts. A poem celebrating Niall Frossach’s miraculous showers contrasted ideal kingship and abundance with widespread privation.