Compiled by Liam Reid
Battle of Kinsale, Cork
The pivotal battle during the nine years war between the Elizabethan English forces and the native Irish, headed by Hugh O'Neill and Red Hugh O'Donnell. O'Neill marched his army 250 miles in the depths of winter from Donegal and Tyrone to Kinsale to aid a Spanish expeditionary force, which had been surrounded by the English forces. O'Neill and O'Donnell attacked on Christmas Eve 1601, but their forces were routed and they returned to the northwest, surrendering in 1603.
Battle of Aughrim, Galway
It is the Battle of Aughrim rather than the Battle of the Boyne which was the decisive encounter in the Williamite Wars. It occurred in July 1691 just outside the village of Aughrim in east Galway and was fought between the Jacobite forces and those of William III. The Jacobites were routed in what is believed to be the bloodiest battle on Irish soil, with the loss of 7,000 lives.
Battle of Curlew Pass, Roscommon One of the most successful actions undertaken by the native Irish during the nine years war, the forces of Red Hugh O'Donnell ambushed the English army led by Sir Conyers Clifford, at a pass in the Curlew mountains, north of Boyle in Co Roscommon, in August 1599.
Battle of Ballinamuck, Longford
The last traditional land battle to take place on Irish soil, it was the last stand of the French expeditionary force that had landed in Mayo in 1798. With the French and Irish forces of little more than 1,500 overwhelmed by more than 15,000 British troops, the battle lasted less than half an hour. The French who surrendered were repatriated, but the Irish participants were hunted down and killed.
Battle of Clontibret, Monaghan
The Battle of Clontribret in Co Monaghan in 1595 was the first major setback for the forces of Queen Elizabeth, who were defeated after a two-day running battle. Irish leader Hugh O'Neil was almost killed in hand-to-hand combat during the battle.
Battle of Dysert O'Dea, Clare
A key battle during the Irish Bruce wars in the 14th century, it took place at Dysert O'Dea near Corofin, Co Clare in 1318.The Norman forces of Richard de Clare attacked the Irish chieftain Conor O'Dea, but de Clare was killed and his forces defeated. The Kingdom of Thomond, which includes the modern counties of Clare, Limerick and parts of counties Kerry and Tipperary, remained independent of English control for a further 250 years.
Battle of Piltown,Kilkenny
An Irish battle which was essentially an extension of the War of the Roses (above), it occurred near the Co Kilkenny village in 1462. The Earl of Desmond, fighting on the side of the House of York, defeated the Butlers, fighting for the House of Lancaster, resulting in more than 400 casualties for the Butlers.
Battle of Vinegar Hill, Wexford
The largest battle during the 1798 rebellion, it pitted a force of 15,000 British against an army of 20,000 rebels.
There were two battles in the engagement, at nearby Enniscorthy town and on the hill itself, causing the rebels to retreat.
Hundreds were killed by the British army, but most escaped to fight skirmish and guerrilla warfare throughout the summer.
Battle of Collooney, Sligo
Also known as the Battle of Carrignagat, it was a minor battled during the 1798 Rebellion when English forces from Sligo met the French and Irish force of more than 2,000 led by General Humbert. The English troops were forced into retreat and fled back to Sligo.