Battle of Confey

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Battle of Confey
Part of Irish - Viking conflict
Date ca. 915-917 AD Location possibly what is today Leixlip, County Kildare, Republic of Ireland Result Viking victory
Belligerents
Vikings	Leinster
Commanders
King Sigtrygg Caech	King Augaire mac Ailella†
Strength
unknown	unknown
Casualties and losses
unknown	~600 dead

The Battle of Confey (or Ceannfuait) was a battle fought between Danish and/or Norwegian Vikings and the Irish king of Leinster. The battle was fought circa 915-917 AD. There is some debate where the battle took place, but near what is today Leixlip, County Kildare, Republic of Ireland, which is about 15 km from Dublin, is a possibility, and the New History of Ireland gives the location as Glynn, near St. Mullins in County Wexford. The battle took place during a time of increased Viking attacks. The Vikings were victorious and were led by King Sigtrygg Caech (also called Sigtrygg Gael or Sithric the Blind), who was based in Dublin, then an important Viking settlement. The Annals of the Four Masters says the Irish dead included King Augaire mac Ailella (called Ugaire in the translation), but High King Niall Glúndub could have led the Irish as well. Danish settlers founded Leixlip after the battle. The Annals say 600 Leinstermen were killed.

[edit] See also

• Early Medieval Ireland 800–1166
• Kings of Leinster
• Leixlip
• History of Ireland

[edit] Sources

• Leixlip Town Council
• History of Leixlip
• Summary of "The Vikings" by Johannes Bronsted
• Annals of the Four Masters translation