Dún Bolg’s Night Assault
Archived: 28 October 2026
Abstract
In 870, Áed Findliath, king of Tara, invaded Leinster from the Dublin region, allied with his brother-in-law Cerball of Osraige and Cennétig of Loíches. Leinster’s king Muiredach led resistance, attacking Cerball’s camp at Dún Bolg by night. Despite losses, including Cennétig’s son, the attackers retreated, leaving the wider struggle unresolved and no recorded tribute or hostages. Annals also record deaths of prominent abbots, bishops and anchorites, notably at Clonard and Kildare, illustrating ecclesiastical influence. Meanwhile Dublin’s Norse rulers Amlaíb and Ímar besieged and plundered Dumbarton Rock, demonstrating Ireland’s political and military connections across the Irish Sea during this eventful year.