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Design notes for Tara 980 AD

The events leading up to the battle at Tara are quite confusing, but in essence were the result of a power struggle following the death of the Irish High King, Domnall ua Néill. The stepson of Olaf Sigtryggsson (also known as Amlaib Cuaran), Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill, claimed the title for himself. He was already the king of Mide (Meath) and the head of Clann Cholmáin since 975 AD. In 980 he had the support of Leinster and Ulster when he faced Olaf's army, now led by his son, Ragnall (Rögnvaldr). The Norse-Irish of Dublin were supported by allies from the Isle of Man and the Hebrides. Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill's crushing victory in the battle and subsequent occupation of Dublin was a terminal blow for the Norse-Irish in Ireland. Olaf Sigtryggsson retired to the monastery on Iona where he died soon afterwards. Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill ruled as High King of Ireland until 1002 when he was succeeeded by Brian Boru.

The exact date and location of the battle are not known, but several annals put the fighting near, or on the hill at Tara. Tara is a very important ancient site in Ireland and I have modelled it as accurately as possible for the purposes of this battle. One description of the battle suggests that it was a siege that lasted for three days, with the Irish fighting on the hill behind the earthworks that had been there for hundreds of years.

The army from Meath, led by Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill, was almost certainly supported by contingents from Leinster and Ulster and I have represented these as relieving forces arriving at the hill shortly after the battle has started. The Norse-Irish also have supporting contingents of Hebridean and Manx fighters.

The Norse-Irish army is significantly larger than that of the Irish. The Norse-irish have 1490 points to 1014 for the Irish. Of course, the Irish have the protection of the hill at Tara.

The banners were provided by Paul59.

Bibliography
Battles of the Dark Ages, Peter Marren, 2006.
Britain and the End of the Roman Empire, Ken Dark, 2000.
In Search of the Dark Ages, Michael Wood, 1981.
Viking Britain, Thomas Williams, 2017.
Warfare and Society in the Barbarian West, Guy Halsall, 2003.