Battlefields›Battle of Farsetmore
Tudor

Battle of Farsetmore

1567
Donegal, Ireland
Also known as: Battle of the Red Braes
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Donegal, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Shane O'Neill
Forces
O'Neill c.2,000–3,000; pitched engagement between Gaelic lordships.
VS
Victor
Hugh O'Donnell (Tír Conaill)
Forces
O'Donnell c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
O'Neill routed and killed; Shane O'Neill's power destroyed
The Battle

History & Significance

Shane O'Neill, the most powerful Gaelic lord in Ireland who had humiliated English forces throughout the 1560s, was destroyed at the River Swilly. After the battle Shane fled to the MacDonnells of Antrim, who killed him — his severed head was sent to Dublin Castle. His death allowed the English to install a compliant O'Neill, but Ulster remained turbulent.

Casualties & Losses

Shane O'Neill killed; thousands of his men drowned or killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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