Bruce campaign in Ireland

Bruce campaign in Ireland
Part of First War of Scottish Independence

Gravestone at Faughart: "Edward Bruce, King of Ireland, Killed in Battle of Faughart 14th October 1318"
Date26 May 1315 – 14 October 1318
(3 years, 4 months and 18 days)
Location
Ireland
Result English victory
Belligerents

Scotland

Irish kingdoms:

England

Commanders and leaders
Edward Bruce 
Fedlim Ó Conchobair 
Tadhg Ó Cellaigh 
Donnchad Ó Briain
Ualgharg O'Ruairc
Strength
  • c. 6,000 men (Scotland)
  • c. 3,000 men (Connacht)
  • c. 1,400 men (Breifne)
  • 300 Ships (Scotland)
c. 20,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown Unknown

The Bruce campaign was a three-year military campaign in Ireland by Edward Bruce, brother of the Scottish king Robert the Bruce. It lasted from his landing at Larne in 1315 to his defeat and death in 1318 at the Battle of Faughart in County Louth. It was part of the First War of Scottish Independence against England, and the conflict between the Irish and Anglo-Normans.

After his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce decided to expand his war against the English by sending an army under his younger brother Edward to invade Ireland. Some native Irish leaders also asked him to send an army to help drive the Anglo-Normans out of Ireland, offering to crown his brother High King of Ireland in return. Another reason for the expedition was that supporters of the exiled House of Balliol, rival competitors for the Crown of Scotland, had fled to Ireland.

The campaign effectively ended with Edward's defeat and death in the Battle of Faughart in 1318.