The Battle of Thurles: Strongbow's Greatest Defeat in Ireland

Episode overview

Strongbow marches against Thomond without Raymond le Gros and suffers one of the greatest Norman defeats of the early conquest. The episode examines Donal Mór O’Brien, Rory O’Connor, the Ostmen of Dublin and the wider consequences of the battle in 1174.

This companion guide examines the 1174 campaign that produced one of the most serious Norman defeats of the early conquest and dramatically altered the balance of confidence in Ireland.

Topics covered

• The Norman campaign against Thomond in 1174
• Donal Mór O’Brien and the forces opposing Strongbow
• The destruction of the Dublin reinforcements
• The wider consequences of Strongbow’s greatest defeat