Battle of Ardnaree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Ardnaree |
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| Part of the Tudor conquest of Ireland | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Kingdom of England |
Irish Rebels
Scots Mercenaries |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Sir Richard Bingham | MacDonnell of Carey † MacDonnell of Glenarm † |
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| Strength | |||||||
| ? | ? | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| ? | c. 2000 | ||||||
The Battle of Ardnaree was an important fight during the Tudor conquest of Ireland. It happened on September 23, 1586, near Ardnaree, which is now part of Ballina, County Mayo. In this battle, the English forces won against Irish families known as the MacPhillips and the Burkes. This conflict was part of a bigger struggle between England and Ireland, sometimes involving Scotland, for control over northern Ireland.
The name Ardnaree comes from the Irish words "Árd na ríogh," which means "the hill of the kings."
Why the Battle Happened
The Mac Philbin and Mayo Burke families were unhappy with English rule in Ireland. They decided to rebel against it. To help them, they invited a special army of mercenaries (soldiers who fight for money) from Ireland and Scotland. These mercenaries were led by Donnell Gorm MacDonnell of Carey and Alexander Carragh MacDonnell of Glenarm. Their plan was to attack English towns and forces.
The mercenary army first faced English forces in places like Sligo, Coolony (now Collooney), and Ballingafad (now Ballinafad). These standoffs lasted for more than two weeks.
The Attack at Ardnaree
Sir Richard Bingham, who was the English governor of the Connacht region, followed the mercenary army. The mercenaries had set up their camp on the east side of the River Moy, near Ardnaree.
Bingham's forces secretly surrounded the camp at night. They then launched a surprise attack on the people inside. During this battle, about 1,000 mercenaries were killed. This included their leaders, Donnell Gorm MacDonnell of Carey and Alexander Carragh MacDonnell of Glenarm. Sadly, a large number of other people in the camp, including families, also lost their lives.
Aftermath of the Battle
After the victory, Richard Bingham severely punished the leaders of the Burke families. The lands that belonged to the Mac Philbins and Mayo Burkes were then taken and given to English settlers. This battle helped England gain more control in the region.
See also
- List of Irish battles
