Commissioned by the Irish Club of Chicago, this portrait of the Battle of Aughrim was produced in the 1880s by John Mulvany, a famous Irish American Artist. It was presumed lost until 2010, when it was offered for sale on eBay by a dealer who thought that it represented an American battle scene.
On 12th July 1857, the Christian soldier - Sir Henry Havelock - was marching on Cawnpore
during the Indian Mutiny when an officer reminded him that it was the anniversary of the Boyne.
Upon which, Havelock corrected him, "It is not. It is the anniversary of Aughrim."
THE BATTLE OF AUGHRIM
& THE SIEGE OF LIMERICK
Background to The Battle of Aughrim
The Battle of the Boyne was one of the most important and decisive battles in world history. As he watched his army break and run on 1st July 1690 - James realised that it was all over. His worst nightmare had come true - his cause was lost. The Boyne signalled utter defeat for him, his Irish followers and their French allies.
However, not all of his followers shared his pessimism.
They believed their priests, who assured them that their struggle was a 'holy war' - therefore, numerous defeats notwithstanding, the Irish remained convinced that God was on their side.
Furthermore, they still believed in James. They still believed in his cause. They still believed that - if only they sacrificed enough, suffered enough and tried hard enough - they could turn the situation around and eventually win.
Louis XIV of France, eager to keep William engaged and distracted on as many fronts as possible, was prepared to humour the Irish - and therefore allowed them to assume that he still had their back.
The Boyne would therefore not be the final Williamite battle in Ireland. As a result, the Irish situation would remain unstable.
However, not all of his followers shared his pessimism.
They believed their priests, who assured them that their struggle was a 'holy war' - therefore, numerous defeats notwithstanding, the Irish remained convinced that God was on their side.
Furthermore, they still believed in James. They still believed in his cause. They still believed that - if only they sacrificed enough, suffered enough and tried hard enough - they could turn the situation around and eventually win.
Louis XIV of France, eager to keep William engaged and distracted on as many fronts as possible, was prepared to humour the Irish - and therefore allowed them to assume that he still had their back.
The Boyne would therefore not be the final Williamite battle in Ireland. As a result, the Irish situation would remain unstable.
Dublin
Immediately after their defeat at the Boyne, James and Tyrconnell fled to France. The Jacobite army abandoned Dublin and fled west to the River Shannon. After their departure, the Protestants of Dublin poured out on to the streets and seized control of the city. Shortly after his victory, King William entered Dublin in triumph. Its Protestant citizens were ecstatic with joy.
William initially intended to leave for England at this stage because he had received some very disturbing reports about military defeats at Fleurus and Beachy Head. However, within days, Captain Butler brought the encouraging news that England had in fact rallied around Queen Mary and were putting up stern resistance to the French once again. William therefore changed plans and decided to continue leading his army in Ireland for a little while longer.
William initially intended to leave for England at this stage because he had received some very disturbing reports about military defeats at Fleurus and Beachy Head. However, within days, Captain Butler brought the encouraging news that England had in fact rallied around Queen Mary and were putting up stern resistance to the French once again. William therefore changed plans and decided to continue leading his army in Ireland for a little while longer.
Waterford
Upon leaving Dublin, William led his army south. Waterford was taken with little or no resistance.
Limerick
Soon afterwards, the Williamite army reached the important walled city of Limerick. They immediately laid siege. However, the civilian population and Jacobite soldiers mounted a very strong defence against William's army - so much so that it actually took two sieges (one led by William in 1690 and the other led by General Ginkel in 1691) before Limerick was captured.
The Autumn of 1690 & The Winter of 1691
From October 1690 to April 1691, no large scale military operation was attempted in Ireland. During the winter and spring of 1691, Ireland was divided (almost equally) between the Williamites and the Jacobites.
The whole of Ulster, most of Leinster and about one third of Munster, were controlled by the Williamites. Connaught, most of Munster and three counties of Leinster were in Jacobite hands. Guerrilla warfare persisted along the rough line of demarcation between these areas.
The whole of Ulster, most of Leinster and about one third of Munster, were controlled by the Williamites. Connaught, most of Munster and three counties of Leinster were in Jacobite hands. Guerrilla warfare persisted along the rough line of demarcation between these areas.
A Game Changer? The French General St Ruth Arrives in Ireland
In the spring of 1691, Tyrconnell (James' Lord Lieutenant), returned to Ireland from France. He was followed by the distinguished French General (and wife beater) - Marquis de St Ruth - who would be the new Commander-in-Chief of James' army.
The fact that Louis XIV would be prepared to 'invest' someone of St Ruth's calibre in their 'seemingly lost' Irish campaign was a major source of encouragement to the Irish Roman Catholics - a pleasant surprise, a massive piece of good news just when they needed it most. It sent them the message that perhaps their mighty French backer shared their belief that Ireland was not a lost cause. Perhaps he shared their confidence that they could still snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? Perhaps this was a sign from God that their priests were correct - and that He was therefore still on their side?
This newfound confidence, reinforced by their impressive defence of Limerick and buoyed by the fact that they no longer had anything left to lose, instilled in the ordinary Irish Roman Catholic soldier a new sense of heroic bravery that had not been hitherto present at Londonderry, Enniskillen or the Boyne. Aughrim and Limerick would therefore NOT be a walkover.
St. Ruth was undoubtedly a brilliant, gifted and capable general. He was also a man of great courage who inspired both fear and respect in his opponents.
However, he was also exceedingly cruel and wicked. He made a name for himself by waging a merciless campaign of genocide and torture against the Protestant population of France. Even Louis XIV detested him and sent him on military missions simply in order to get rid of him.
As an egotist, a glory-hunter and a fanatical Roman Catholic - St Ruth relished the idea of avenging the Boyne and inflicting a decisive blow against the Williamite cause in Ireland.
The fact that Louis XIV would be prepared to 'invest' someone of St Ruth's calibre in their 'seemingly lost' Irish campaign was a major source of encouragement to the Irish Roman Catholics - a pleasant surprise, a massive piece of good news just when they needed it most. It sent them the message that perhaps their mighty French backer shared their belief that Ireland was not a lost cause. Perhaps he shared their confidence that they could still snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? Perhaps this was a sign from God that their priests were correct - and that He was therefore still on their side?
This newfound confidence, reinforced by their impressive defence of Limerick and buoyed by the fact that they no longer had anything left to lose, instilled in the ordinary Irish Roman Catholic soldier a new sense of heroic bravery that had not been hitherto present at Londonderry, Enniskillen or the Boyne. Aughrim and Limerick would therefore NOT be a walkover.
St. Ruth was undoubtedly a brilliant, gifted and capable general. He was also a man of great courage who inspired both fear and respect in his opponents.
However, he was also exceedingly cruel and wicked. He made a name for himself by waging a merciless campaign of genocide and torture against the Protestant population of France. Even Louis XIV detested him and sent him on military missions simply in order to get rid of him.
As an egotist, a glory-hunter and a fanatical Roman Catholic - St Ruth relished the idea of avenging the Boyne and inflicting a decisive blow against the Williamite cause in Ireland.
Unfinished Business
In the late spring / early summer of 1691, King William restarted his Irish campaign with full force and vigour. He saw Ireland as 'unfinished business'. Notwithstanding his great victories at Londonderry, Enniskillen and the Boyne – there was still much work to do.
The formidable French general - Marquis de St Ruth - was now in Ireland as Commander-in-Chief of all Jacobite forces. The Irish Roman Catholics were on the crest of a wave – they were in high spirits and their confidence was renewed. The strength of their newfound heroism and bravery completely shocked Williamite commanders. They believed that God was on their side, and they still believed that they had what it took to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. They were determined to avenge the Boyne and re-take the entire island for James.
The large, important walled city of Limerick continued to hold out against the Williamites – thus giving immense encouragement to James’ Irish followers. William knew that the situation at Limerick needed to be resolved as soon as possible.
He didn’t want the Siege of Limerick to become for Irish Roman Catholics what the Siege of Londonderry had become for Ulster Protestants. Whatever the cost – Limerick needed to be taken, St Ruth and his impressive army needed to be utterly crushed, and the Jacobite cause in Ireland needed to be convincingly buried.
The formidable French general - Marquis de St Ruth - was now in Ireland as Commander-in-Chief of all Jacobite forces. The Irish Roman Catholics were on the crest of a wave – they were in high spirits and their confidence was renewed. The strength of their newfound heroism and bravery completely shocked Williamite commanders. They believed that God was on their side, and they still believed that they had what it took to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. They were determined to avenge the Boyne and re-take the entire island for James.
The large, important walled city of Limerick continued to hold out against the Williamites – thus giving immense encouragement to James’ Irish followers. William knew that the situation at Limerick needed to be resolved as soon as possible.
He didn’t want the Siege of Limerick to become for Irish Roman Catholics what the Siege of Londonderry had become for Ulster Protestants. Whatever the cost – Limerick needed to be taken, St Ruth and his impressive army needed to be utterly crushed, and the Jacobite cause in Ireland needed to be convincingly buried.
General Ginkel (sometimes spelt 'Ginkell')
When William left Ireland, he handed over command of his army to Count Solms, who in turn was succeeded by Godert de Ginkel (a Dutch general). The civil government of Ireland was entrusted to Lord Sidney, Sir Charles Porter and Thomas Coningsby.
Cork & Kinsale
The Duke of Marlborough (a famous British general and ancestor of Prime Minister Winston Churchill) arrived with fresh troops from England and started to punch big holes in the Jacobite powerbase. Within a short period of time, Cork and Kinsale were captured. In addition to radically reducing the amount of territory controlled by Jacobites, this made it more difficult for them to receive supplies or reinforcements from France.
Ballymore & Athlone - The River Shannon is Crossed
General Ginkel took Ballymore, where he was joined by soldiers under the command of the Duke of Württemberg. He then took the strategic town of Athlone - meaning that Williamite forces had now crossed the Shannon and were deep inside the heart of Western Ireland.
Prior to the German Blitz of World War II, the Siege of Athlone was the heaviest bombardment that ever took place on Irish soil. Using 50 tons of gunpowder - the Williamites blasted Jacobite positions with 12,000 cannon balls, 600 bombs and many tons of stones.
Prior to the German Blitz of World War II, the Siege of Athlone was the heaviest bombardment that ever took place on Irish soil. Using 50 tons of gunpowder - the Williamites blasted Jacobite positions with 12,000 cannon balls, 600 bombs and many tons of stones.
The Battle of Aughrim - St Ruth Takes Up Position
Roughly 20 miles from Athlone, on the road to Galway, a massive Jacobite army (under the command of St Ruth) dug in on the slope of a hill near the village of Aughrim. This already excellent defensive location was enhanced by the fact that their army was positioned near the ruins of Aughrim Castle AND almost completely surrounded by waterlogged bogland.
The land rose to a hill called Kilcommaddon (or 'Kilcommoddon' or 'Aughrim Hill') – where St Ruth positioned most of his infantry. In front of this hill, there was a smaller slope of dry ground called 'The Pass of Urraghry' (or 'The Pass of Urrachree') – where St Ruth placed his artillery and a large force of cavalry. To the edge of Kilcommadon / Aughrim Hill, beside the ruins of Aughrim Castle, a narrow causeway ran across the bog (which meant that the old castle fortifications could be used in order to defend and control access across the bog). St Ruth ordered hundreds of infantrymen under the command of Colonel Burke (and some cavalry) to guard this vitally important position.
It was ‘make or break’ for the Jacobites. They were up for a fight to the death and they had nothing left to lose. Retreat wasn’t much of an option for them anymore. If they lost this battle, they would have nowhere left to run – except Limerick, where they would be slowly starved to death in the expected 'coming siege'. For St Ruth’s soldiers, there were only 3 ways in which the Battle of Aughrim could end: [1] they would score a great victory; [2] they would endure a quick death on the battlefield; [3] they would endure a slow death by starvation in Limerick.
Addressing his 20,000 troops, St Ruth sought to instil a crusading spirit. Boasting about his own role in viciously suppressing the Protestants of France, he triumphantly declared: "You will bear no longer the reproaches of the heretics who brand you with cowardice, and you may be assured that King James will love and reward you, Louis the Great will protect you, all good Catholics will applaud you, I myself will command you, the church will pray for you, your posterity will bless you, God will make you all saints and his holy mother will lay you in her bosom."
The RC Bishop of Cork was present. Large numbers of RC priests (carrying crucifixes) were scattered throughout the ranks. Mass had been celebrated, prayers had been said and Jacobite morale was sky high. It was now time for General Ginkel to make his move.
The land rose to a hill called Kilcommaddon (or 'Kilcommoddon' or 'Aughrim Hill') – where St Ruth positioned most of his infantry. In front of this hill, there was a smaller slope of dry ground called 'The Pass of Urraghry' (or 'The Pass of Urrachree') – where St Ruth placed his artillery and a large force of cavalry. To the edge of Kilcommadon / Aughrim Hill, beside the ruins of Aughrim Castle, a narrow causeway ran across the bog (which meant that the old castle fortifications could be used in order to defend and control access across the bog). St Ruth ordered hundreds of infantrymen under the command of Colonel Burke (and some cavalry) to guard this vitally important position.
It was ‘make or break’ for the Jacobites. They were up for a fight to the death and they had nothing left to lose. Retreat wasn’t much of an option for them anymore. If they lost this battle, they would have nowhere left to run – except Limerick, where they would be slowly starved to death in the expected 'coming siege'. For St Ruth’s soldiers, there were only 3 ways in which the Battle of Aughrim could end: [1] they would score a great victory; [2] they would endure a quick death on the battlefield; [3] they would endure a slow death by starvation in Limerick.
Addressing his 20,000 troops, St Ruth sought to instil a crusading spirit. Boasting about his own role in viciously suppressing the Protestants of France, he triumphantly declared: "You will bear no longer the reproaches of the heretics who brand you with cowardice, and you may be assured that King James will love and reward you, Louis the Great will protect you, all good Catholics will applaud you, I myself will command you, the church will pray for you, your posterity will bless you, God will make you all saints and his holy mother will lay you in her bosom."
The RC Bishop of Cork was present. Large numbers of RC priests (carrying crucifixes) were scattered throughout the ranks. Mass had been celebrated, prayers had been said and Jacobite morale was sky high. It was now time for General Ginkel to make his move.
The Battle of Aughrim – General Ginkel Makes His Move
The Williamite forces, humbly relying upon the God of Scripture, moved forward and slowly approached the Jacobite army. Numbering approximately 20,000 - they advanced over uneven bogland, sinking into the mire with every step. Their already difficult progress was slowed down even further by a thick fog. It took some time before both armies were in a position to actually face one another.
Ginkel’s Danish Dragoons launched an attack upon the heavily-defended Jacobite artillery positions at The Pass of Urraghry. They were driven back, as were other Williamite forces who were sent in after them.
Due to the fact that his artillery pieces were under constant pressure, St. Ruth made a serious blunder - he ordered the cavalry from Aughrim Castle and some of his infantry from Kilcommadden (Aughrim Hill) to reinforce the Jacobite artillery position at The Pass of Urraghry.
Ginkel’s Danish Dragoons launched an attack upon the heavily-defended Jacobite artillery positions at The Pass of Urraghry. They were driven back, as were other Williamite forces who were sent in after them.
Due to the fact that his artillery pieces were under constant pressure, St. Ruth made a serious blunder - he ordered the cavalry from Aughrim Castle and some of his infantry from Kilcommadden (Aughrim Hill) to reinforce the Jacobite artillery position at The Pass of Urraghry.
Williamite Troops Attack Aughrim Hill
In an attempt to demolish the Jacobite centre - large numbers of Williamite infantry were ordered to move forward and attack the Jacobite positions at Kilcommadden (Aughrim Hill). Sadly however, this was easier said than done. They couldn’t exactly charge. Instead, they had to wade across a large muddy bog with heavy pikes and muskets - and then attack uphill in sodden, mud-caked uniforms. At first, they were successful - slowly pushing the Jacobites back. However, when St Ruth’s cavalry smashed into them - many Williamites were either slaughtered or forced to retreat back into the bog.
The Ruins of Aughrim Castle
Despite this painful setback, there was nonetheless one very encouraging development – a force of Williamite cavalry succeeded in bypassing the bog at a narrow point of firmer ground. They immediately set about creating a more defined path so that reinforcements could join them. Soon afterwards, a large force of Williamite cavalry poured through and attacked the important Jacobite position at Aughrim Castle (now devoid of its cavalry).
Colonel Burke’s Irish infantry prepared to open fire on them – only to discover that their ammunition did not fit their muskets. Their guns were French, but their ammunition was English. Realising the seriousness of this situation, St. Ruth decided to personally lead a force of elite cavalry across the battlefield in order to reinforce Burke. Whilst the cavalry in question should have been under Sarsfield’s command, St Ruth (a massive egotist) was of the opinion that he should lead the charge himself.
Colonel Burke’s Irish infantry prepared to open fire on them – only to discover that their ammunition did not fit their muskets. Their guns were French, but their ammunition was English. Realising the seriousness of this situation, St. Ruth decided to personally lead a force of elite cavalry across the battlefield in order to reinforce Burke. Whilst the cavalry in question should have been under Sarsfield’s command, St Ruth (a massive egotist) was of the opinion that he should lead the charge himself.
The Turning Point in the Battle of Aughrim
Up until this point in the battle – either side could have won, and quite a few historians believe that it could have been St Ruth’s Jacobites.
St Ruth loved the power and art of the spoken word. He also fancied himself as a bit of an orator. With his legendary ego running wild - he imagined himself sweeping majestically across the battlefield, at the height of his flair and in full flurry of confidence. Sensing that victory was near, St Ruth waved his sword in the air and shouted “La jour est à nous, mes enfants!!!” (“The day is ours, my children!!!”).
Upon which he was instantly killed by a cannonball that severed his head from his body.
Seeing their Commander-in-Chief dead (i.e. the very man in whom they put so much trust for victory), the Jacobite defence collapsed. In the confusion that followed, Ginkel’s forces overran the ruins of Aughrim Castle and plunged, with full force, into the weakened ranks of Jacobite infantry. Once that happened, St Ruth’s army lost control of the bogland upon which their defence relied so heavily. The entire Williamite army then moved forward in a full frontal attack. Soon victory was secured.
St Ruth loved the power and art of the spoken word. He also fancied himself as a bit of an orator. With his legendary ego running wild - he imagined himself sweeping majestically across the battlefield, at the height of his flair and in full flurry of confidence. Sensing that victory was near, St Ruth waved his sword in the air and shouted “La jour est à nous, mes enfants!!!” (“The day is ours, my children!!!”).
Upon which he was instantly killed by a cannonball that severed his head from his body.
Seeing their Commander-in-Chief dead (i.e. the very man in whom they put so much trust for victory), the Jacobite defence collapsed. In the confusion that followed, Ginkel’s forces overran the ruins of Aughrim Castle and plunged, with full force, into the weakened ranks of Jacobite infantry. Once that happened, St Ruth’s army lost control of the bogland upon which their defence relied so heavily. The entire Williamite army then moved forward in a full frontal attack. Soon victory was secured.
The Jacobites Break & The Battle of Aughrim is Ended
The Jacobites (especially Sarsfield’s cavalry) fought on bravely as they retreated from one enclosure to another. However, as their position became more and more untenable, they finally broke ranks and fled. Some historians put the Jacobite death toll as high as 7,000 (this figure included 80 crucifix-carrying Roman Catholic priests). It was said that if the night had not been moonless with poor visibility, hardly one Jacobite would have survived.
Whilst there are a number of different historical accounts when it comes to the subject of what exactly happened at the Battle of Aughrim - all agree that (to this day) it remains the bloodiest battle ever fought in Irish military history.
Whilst there are a number of different historical accounts when it comes to the subject of what exactly happened at the Battle of Aughrim - all agree that (to this day) it remains the bloodiest battle ever fought in Irish military history.
The Williamite Campaign After the Battle of Aughrim
With Aughrim lost and St Ruth dead, the Jacobite cause in Ireland was utterly decimated and lay in ruins. Within a short period of time, Galway fell to the onward march of the victorious Williamites. The only obstacle that stood in their way now was Limerick. However, it had (by this stage) become significantly weakened. Many of its formerly impressive garrison lay dead at Aughrim – having left the city in order to fight alongside St Ruth.
The Irish followers of James were beaten, and they knew it.
However, due to the fact that they had nothing to lose – their cause limped on.
Determined to make a last stand – Jacobites retreated to Limerick from all over Ireland.
The Irish followers of James were beaten, and they knew it.
However, due to the fact that they had nothing to lose – their cause limped on.
Determined to make a last stand – Jacobites retreated to Limerick from all over Ireland.
Balldearg Arrives in Ireland
Irish history is full of characters – and the 1690s were no exception. One such ‘character’ who was waiting in the wings at this time was a ‘warrior’ called Balldearg O'Donnell. This rather strange individual arrived in Ireland from Spain (with his own private army!) shortly after the Battle of the Boyne. He claimed to be a direct descendant of the ancient Kings of Donegal. He also claimed to be a personal fulfilment of the ancient Irish prophecy about an 'O'Donnell With The Red Mark’ who would lead his followers to victory.
Many ordinary Roman Catholics throughout Ireland were inspired by him and flocked to his banner – causing great hostility on the part of Tyrconnell (known popularly as ‘Lying Dick Talbot’) who saw him as a threat. In order to weaken Balldearg – Tyrconnell ‘stole’ 3 regiments of his best men under the pretence of incorporating them into the Jacobite army in exchange for a promise to make provision for Balldearg’s remaining battalions. When Balldearg agreed to this 'deal' and sent the requested 3 regiments – he was immediately double-crossed by Tyrconnell and the expected provisions never arrived. The 'King of Donegal' was not impressed.
As a result of this betrayal, Balldearg made a rather surprising decision ....... he actually announced that he and his followers were now going to join forces with King William! This was a development that no one (Williamite or Jacobite) could have expected.
True to his word, Balldearg marched with his army to assist Williamite soldiers who were attacking a Jacobite town. After a short siege, its garrison surrendered (on the condition that they were conveyed to Limerick).
Balldaerg and his men remained loyal to William and later went on to fight for him in Flanders. The 'King of Donegal' died in 1704, having reached the rank of Major-General.
Many ordinary Roman Catholics throughout Ireland were inspired by him and flocked to his banner – causing great hostility on the part of Tyrconnell (known popularly as ‘Lying Dick Talbot’) who saw him as a threat. In order to weaken Balldearg – Tyrconnell ‘stole’ 3 regiments of his best men under the pretence of incorporating them into the Jacobite army in exchange for a promise to make provision for Balldearg’s remaining battalions. When Balldearg agreed to this 'deal' and sent the requested 3 regiments – he was immediately double-crossed by Tyrconnell and the expected provisions never arrived. The 'King of Donegal' was not impressed.
As a result of this betrayal, Balldearg made a rather surprising decision ....... he actually announced that he and his followers were now going to join forces with King William! This was a development that no one (Williamite or Jacobite) could have expected.
True to his word, Balldearg marched with his army to assist Williamite soldiers who were attacking a Jacobite town. After a short siege, its garrison surrendered (on the condition that they were conveyed to Limerick).
Balldaerg and his men remained loyal to William and later went on to fight for him in Flanders. The 'King of Donegal' died in 1704, having reached the rank of Major-General.
The Williamites Besiege Limerick for a Second Time (1691)
King William himself led the first Williamite siege of Limerick in 1690. General Ginkel now returned to the mighty walled city with a vast army and a massive amount of artillery – determined to take it this time. This second siege would be immensely different to the one that took place in 1690.
By the time the second siege began, the military situation in Ireland had convincingly turned against the Jacobites. Their main army had been smashed at Aughrim, St Ruth was dead, and many of their soldiers had either deserted or were taken prisoner. To say that their morale was low would be an understatement.
Limerick’s defences had been considerably strengthened since the siege of 1690. Unfortunately for the Jacobites however, that wasn’t going to be enough to secure victory.
General Ginkel surrounded the city and bombarded it - tearing a breach in the walls.
A surprise Williamite attack drove back the Irish Jacobites who were defending Thomond Bridge. They retreated to Limerick – seeking refuge behind its walls. Sadly for them, their French allies who were in charge of the gate refused to open it for them. As a result, large numbers of Irish Jacobites were either cut down or drowned in the River Shannon. The brilliant Irish cavalry officer, Patrick Sarsfield, was outraged at this and immediately ousted the French Commanders of Limerick.
Staring defeat in the face and knowing that all hope was lost, Sarsfield informed General Ginkel that he wished to begin formal negotiations for the surrender of the city.
By the time the second siege began, the military situation in Ireland had convincingly turned against the Jacobites. Their main army had been smashed at Aughrim, St Ruth was dead, and many of their soldiers had either deserted or were taken prisoner. To say that their morale was low would be an understatement.
Limerick’s defences had been considerably strengthened since the siege of 1690. Unfortunately for the Jacobites however, that wasn’t going to be enough to secure victory.
General Ginkel surrounded the city and bombarded it - tearing a breach in the walls.
A surprise Williamite attack drove back the Irish Jacobites who were defending Thomond Bridge. They retreated to Limerick – seeking refuge behind its walls. Sadly for them, their French allies who were in charge of the gate refused to open it for them. As a result, large numbers of Irish Jacobites were either cut down or drowned in the River Shannon. The brilliant Irish cavalry officer, Patrick Sarsfield, was outraged at this and immediately ousted the French Commanders of Limerick.
Staring defeat in the face and knowing that all hope was lost, Sarsfield informed General Ginkel that he wished to begin formal negotiations for the surrender of the city.
Limerick – The Last Domino Falls (October, 1691)
With the capitulation of Limerick, the last serious resistance to William within the British Isles came to an end. The Irish Williamite Campaign was thus brought to a successful conclusion.
The Very Generous Treaty of Limerick
The Irish, under the command of Sarsfield, very wisely requested a truce. The Williamites agreed, hostages were exchanged and both sides began to negotiate. The basis for a general agreement was very quickly reached, and all of the finer details were thrashed out within a matter of days. As a result, the Treaty of Limerick was signed on 3rd October 1691.
Military Terms & Conditions
The Military Articles of the Treaty of Limerick dealt with the (now disbanded) Jacobite army. Jacobite soldiers were given the option of leaving with their arms and flags for France, where they could continue serving James in the Irish Brigade. Sarsfield and approximately 14,000 Jacobites (10,000 soldiers and 4,000 women / children) chose this option. They were marched south to Cork, placed on ships, and sent to France – this became known as ‘The Flight of the Wild Geese’.
Jacobite soldiers were also given the opportunity to 'switch sides' and join King William's army. 1,000 chose to do so.
Those Jacobite soldiers who didn’t chose either of the above options were given the chance to return to their homes – and live as citizens in an Ireland that would never be the same again. 2,000 of them decided to embrace this new future.
Jacobite soldiers were also given the opportunity to 'switch sides' and join King William's army. 1,000 chose to do so.
Those Jacobite soldiers who didn’t chose either of the above options were given the chance to return to their homes – and live as citizens in an Ireland that would never be the same again. 2,000 of them decided to embrace this new future.
Civil Terms & Conditions
The Civil Articles of the Treaty of Limerick (very generously) protected the rights of Jacobite landed gentry who chose to remain in Ireland. Their property was NOT to be confiscated (as they had feared) – so long as they swore allegiance to the Crown. To say that they were relieved to hear this merciful news would be an understatement. Furthermore, the defeated Irish Roman Catholics were guaranteed religious liberty – thus relieving their fears that a victorious King William would be tempted to militarily suppress their faith. These concessions were William’s attempt to give them a way out of the ‘nothing to lose’ scenario that they had previously talked themselves into.
In the Treaty of Limerick, William intentionally chose to be very generous. He wanted to make a sincere attempt to be large-hearted and magnanimous in victory – showing mercy and fairness to the defeated side, allowing them to withdraw from the war without humiliation, and with their dignity and honour intact. William hoped that this generosity to such an utterly powerless and broken opponent, especially the fact that he had graciously displayed it from a position of supreme strength – would show good faith to his Irish RC subjects, allay any sincere fears that they may have had about receiving fair treatment from their new king, help diffuse communal tension within Ireland and minimise any chance of a future Jacobite uprising.
In the Treaty of Limerick, William intentionally chose to be very generous. He wanted to make a sincere attempt to be large-hearted and magnanimous in victory – showing mercy and fairness to the defeated side, allowing them to withdraw from the war without humiliation, and with their dignity and honour intact. William hoped that this generosity to such an utterly powerless and broken opponent, especially the fact that he had graciously displayed it from a position of supreme strength – would show good faith to his Irish RC subjects, allay any sincere fears that they may have had about receiving fair treatment from their new king, help diffuse communal tension within Ireland and minimise any chance of a future Jacobite uprising.
Mission Complete: King William’s Proclamation
In order to signify that his work in Ireland was done, King William signed a special proclamation. In it, he announced that the entire Kingdom of Ireland was now in a state of obedience. The gamble that he had taken in being so generous at the Treaty of Limerick had (thus far) seemingly paid off.
A struggle that had cost more in lives and money than any other previous war in Irish history was now at an end. At long last, the Glorious Revolution was complete. In this new era of stability, security, prosperity and generosity – hopes were high that ALL inhabitants of the British Isles would now be finally united as one people.
A struggle that had cost more in lives and money than any other previous war in Irish history was now at an end. At long last, the Glorious Revolution was complete. In this new era of stability, security, prosperity and generosity – hopes were high that ALL inhabitants of the British Isles would now be finally united as one people.
Branches of The Loyal Orders in Aughrim & Limerick
According to a report published in The Irish Times on 10th July 2017 (entitled 'Republic's Orangemen Proclaim Their Identity'), a growing number of specialist historians are of the opinion that: 'at the turn of the 20th century, the Orange Order had up to 10,000 active members and 250 active lodges in what is now the Irish Republic'.
Every county in Ireland once had branches of the Loyal Orders within its borders. The County Grand Orange Lodge of Limerick came to an end in 1899. At least one isolated private lodge is understood to have struggled on for 20 years beyond that. There were once 15 Orange Lodges and over 700 Orangemen in Limerick. This County Grand Lodge also served the Orangemen of County Clare and County Kerry. In the late 1800s, there were two lodges in Trallee - one of which was named 'The Kingdom of Kerry Loyal Orange Lodge'.
Every county in Ireland once had branches of the Loyal Orders within its borders. The County Grand Orange Lodge of Limerick came to an end in 1899. At least one isolated private lodge is understood to have struggled on for 20 years beyond that. There were once 15 Orange Lodges and over 700 Orangemen in Limerick. This County Grand Lodge also served the Orangemen of County Clare and County Kerry. In the late 1800s, there were two lodges in Trallee - one of which was named 'The Kingdom of Kerry Loyal Orange Lodge'.
A Newspaper Report on Limerick's Lost Loyal Orders
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Loyal Orders Historian, Bro Quincey Dougan, stands outside the old 'Limerick Protestant Young Men's Association' building. The County Limerick Grand Orange Lodge used to hold its meetings in this excellent facility. As of 2018, It is understood to be used as a Stage School. This impressive building is located at 97 O'Connell Street (which, prior to partition, would have been known as 97 George Street).