Cell Móna’s Broken Alliance
Archived: 26 October 2026
In 970, annalistic evidence records conflict across northern and midland Ireland. Amlaíb Cuarán of Dublin and Domnall mac Congalaig of Brega defeated Domnall ua Néill, king of Tara, at Cell Móna, where several regional kings died. Amlaíb had earlier raided Kells with foreigners and Leinster allies, seizing cattle and defeating Uí Néill forces. Campaigning also brought atrocities: Ardgar of Ulaid sacked Conaire, while Domnall ua Néill retaliated by attacking Louth monasteries, including Lann Léire, where hundreds were burned. The sources reveal shifting alliances, Dublin’s political influence, ecclesiastical wealth’s strategic importance, and warfare’s devastating effects on communities amid uncertain annalistic dating.