Delbna Bethra Ablaze
Archived: 29 October 2026
Abstract
In 826, as conventionally dated despite annalistic discrepancy, Feidlimid mac Crimthainn, king of Munster, led an army into the midlands and burned Delbna Bethra, threatening Mide and estates linked to Clonmacnoise. His campaign challenged Conchobar mac Donnchada’s authority at Tara amid rivalry later followed by negotiations at Birr. Deaths of kings in Brega and Mide, and the deceitful killing and wounding of rulers in Tethba, exposed fractured local lordship. Ecclesiastical leaders died at Armagh, Clonard and Clonfert. A plague warning caused widespread fear, while Daire’s law was renewed in Connacht. No securely dated Viking raid is recorded in principal annals.