Norreys had arrived at Waterford in May 1595, but had been struck with malaria on disembarking.

He sets out in June from Dublin with twenty-nine hundred men and artillery, with Russell trailing him through Dundalk.

After flourishing his letters patent at Drogheda upon the proclamation of Hugh O'Neill, 3rd Earl of Tyrone, as a traitor, Norreys makes his headquarters at Newry and fortifies Armagh cathedral.

On learning that artillery is stored at Newry, Tyrone dismantles his stronghold of Dungannon castle and enters the field.

Norreys camps his troops along the River Blackwater, while Tyrone roams the far bank; a ford is secured but no crossing is attempted because there is no harvest to destroy and a tour within enemy territory would be futile.