The Norman Invasion of Ulster
In February 1171 King Henry sent John de Courcy North with an army and orders for Irish allies to help. de Courcy’s army invaded an area known as Down without much resistance until later when a number of clashes took place in hopes to remove him and the invaders. Within the next few years John de Courcy had tool control of Antrim and Down building the first mottes and castles but would be later be replaced by another Norman by the name of Hugh de lacy.
In 1258 three of Ireland’s largest clans met together to make the decision on merging all clans to defeat the invaders of Ireland and it was then decided that Brian O’ Neill would become the High King of Ireland. Within a number of years Brian was poisoned by the Normans and the Irish would be defeated in fierce battle of Downpatrick in 1260.
After the murder of Brian and a great loss at the battle of Downpatrick it was a wake-up call for other Irish Chieftains that Ireland needed help from their cousins in Scotland known as the Galloglach’s, foreign fighters.
The Galloglach’s were descended from the Ulster Gaels who had migrated to Scotland and settled with the Vikings there and were also fierce fighters who favoured the battle-axe as their primary weapon in battles. The Galloglach’s were just like the Irish and showed no fear during battles which made them great warriors and helped bring Irish forces back to life. Edward Bruce, brother of King Robert I of Scotland, also arrived in Ireland to help in the fight against the Normans, he later became High King but was killed during battle.