Bruce campaign in Ireland | |||||||
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Part of First War of Scottish Independence | |||||||
The Lordship of Ireland (pink) c. 1300 | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Edward Bruce † Fedlim Ó Conchobair † Tadhg Ó Cellaigh † Donnchad Ó Briain Ualgharg O'Ruairc | |||||||
Strength | |||||||
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.