BattlefieldsBattle of Rathmines
English Civil War

Battle of Rathmines

1649
Dublin, Ireland
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalist Confederates (Earl of Ormond)
Forces
Royalist Confederates c.5,000–7,000.
VS
Victor
Parliamentary Dublin garrison (Colonel Michael Jones)
Forces
Parliamentary Dublin garrison c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
Ormond's army routed; Dublin secured for Parliament
The Battle

History & Significance

Fought just before Cromwell landed, the battle was crucial. Ormond's army besieging Dublin was surprised by a sortie and routed. The victory secured Dublin for Parliament and allowed Cromwell to land unopposed with his New Model Army. Had Ormond won, Cromwell's conquest would have been far harder. Ormond's army lost c.4,000 men and all its artillery.

Casualties & Losses

c.4,000 Royalist casualties; Jones loses c.400

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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