BattlefieldsBattle of Aughrim
Jacobite Risings

Battle of Aughrim

1691
Galway, Ireland
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Galway, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Jacobites (Marquis de St Ruth)
Forces
Jacobites c.15,000–17,000. Bloodiest Irish battle, decisive.
VS
Victor
Williamites (General Ginkel)
Forces
Williamites c.18,000–20,000
Outcome
Catastrophic Jacobite defeat; Jacobite field army destroyed
The Battle

History & Significance

The bloodiest battle ever fought on Irish soil and the decisive engagement of the Williamite War. The Jacobites held a strong defensive position near Aughrim village, Connacht, under the French commander St Ruth. After hours of fighting the Jacobites were winning — then St Ruth was decapitated by a cannonball. His death caused the Jacobite line to collapse and rout. c.7,000 Jacobites were killed in the battle and pursuit — more than fell at the Boyne, Clontarf and the Yellow Ford combined. Aughrim effectively ended the Jacobite cause in Ireland.

Casualties & Losses

c.7,000 Jacobites killed; c.700 Williamites; St Ruth killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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