No magazines had been formed to supply them, when they should again advance; and so short of forage were they, that it was considered impossible to make any move in force, until the grass should grow sufficiently to enable the horses to get into condition.
Nevertheless, the Duke of Berwick marched with eight hundred men from Dublin, and Brigadier Nugent with a like force from West Meath and Longford, and arrived at Cavan a few hours before the English reached the town.

The Irish force was composed entirely of infantry, with the exception of two troops of cavalry.

The English force consisted of seven hundred foot, and three hundred cavalry.
As Cavan did not offer any advantages in the way of defence, the Duke of Berwick moved his army out into the open field.

The English lined the hedges, and stood on the defensive.

The Irish horse commenced the battle with a furious charge on the Enniskilleners and dragoons, and drove them from the field; but the English infantry maintained their position so stoutly that, after a prolonged fight, the Irish retreated into a fort near the town.