BattlefieldsSiege of Limerick (1691)
Jacobite Risings

Siege of Limerick (1691)

1691
Limerick, Ireland
Also known as: Second Siege of Limerick · Treaty of Limerick
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Limerick, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Jacobite garrison (Patrick Sarsfield)
Forces
Jacobite garrison c.3,000.
VS
Victor
Williamites (General Ginkel)
Forces
Williamites c.25,000
Outcome
Honourable capitulation; Treaty of Limerick signed
The Battle

History & Significance

The final act of the Williamite War. After Aughrim, Sarsfield led the remnant of the Jacobite army back to Limerick. After a second siege, the Treaty of Limerick was negotiated. It guaranteed Catholics religious toleration and allowed the Jacobite army to go to France (the Flight of the Wild Geese — c.12,000 soldiers). The penal laws subsequently enacted made a mockery of the treaty's promises. The Wild Geese became legendary Irish brigades in French, Spanish and Austrian service for the next century.

Casualties & Losses

Relatively few in the siege itself; the real loss was the exodus of the Wild Geese

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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