Battle of Castlebar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Castlebar |
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| Part of the Irish Rebellion | |||||||
 1887 print depicting the Castlebar Races |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United Irishmen France |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Jean Humbert | Gerard Lake | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 1,100-2,000 | 5,000-6,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 200 dead and wounded | 400 dead or wounded, 800 captured, Baggage and ammunition looted |
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The Battle of Castlebar happened on August 27, 1798. It took place near the town of Castlebar in County Mayo, during the Irish Rebellion. In this battle, a group of about 2,000 French soldiers and Irish rebels defeated a much larger force. The British and their loyalist allies had about 6,000 soldiers. This event later became known as the "Castlebar Races" because the British soldiers ran away so quickly.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
French Help Arrives
The Irish people had been waiting for help from France for a long time. This help was for the Irish revolution, which was started by a group called the Society of United Irishmen. Finally, on August 22, 1798, about 1,100 French soldiers landed in Ireland. They were led by General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert.
They landed in a quiet spot called Cill Chuimín Strand in County Mayo. This remote location meant they landed without anyone stopping them. Most British soldiers were far away in the east of Ireland, dealing with other rebels.
Early Victories
The French and Irish forces quickly took over the nearby town of Killala. Local soldiers, called yeomen, tried to fight back but were defeated. Two days later, they also captured Ballina. More Irish volunteers started joining the French camp from all over Mayo.
British Get Ready
The leader of Ireland at the time, Lord Cornwallis, asked for more soldiers from England. In the meantime, all available British forces gathered at Castlebar. They were led by General Gerard Lake. By the morning of August 27, the British had about 6,000 soldiers in Castlebar. They also had many artillery pieces (cannons) and lots of supplies.
A Secret Plan
General Humbert left about 200 French soldiers in Killala to protect their way back. Then, on August 26, he led about 2,000 French and Irish soldiers towards Castlebar. The British expected them to attack from the main road from Ballina. So, they set up their soldiers and cannons to face that direction.
However, local people told the French about a secret path. This path went through wild land along the west side of Lough Conn. The British thought this route was impossible for an army with cannons. But the French took this path! When British scouts saw the enemy coming, they were completely surprised. The British army had to quickly move all their soldiers and cannons to face the new direction.
Gore Castle
During their march, the French and Irish forces passed Gore Castle. The castle was important because it was near the road to Castlebar. A man named James Cuff lived there. He and his family managed to escape before the French attacked. The castle was damaged during the fighting, but it was not completely destroyed.
The Battle Begins
A Surprise Attack
The British had barely finished moving their troops when the French and Irish army appeared outside Castlebar. It was about 6 a.m. The British cannons started firing at the advancing French and Irish soldiers. Many fell.
However, French officers quickly noticed a spot with bushes and narrow paths. This area offered some cover from the British cannon fire. The French then launched a fierce bayonet charge. This was a very brave and determined attack. The British soldiers, who were behind their cannons, became nervous. They started to panic and run away, leaving their gunners and cannons behind.
Some soldiers from the Longford and Kilkenny militias even joined the Irish rebels. They fought against their old comrades. A group of British cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and regular infantry tried to stop the panic, but they were quickly overwhelmed.
The British Run Away
Thousands of British soldiers ran away very quickly. They left behind many guns and equipment. General Lake even left his personal bags! The French and Irish did not chase them very far. But the British soldiers did not stop running until they reached Tuam. Some even ran as far as Athlone because they were so scared. The panic was so bad that only the arrival of Lord Cornwallis at Athlone stopped them from running even further.
The French and Irish won a great victory. But they also lost many soldiers, about 150 men. Most of these were killed by the cannons at the start of the battle. The British lost more than 350 soldiers. About 80 were killed, and the rest were wounded or captured. Around 150 British soldiers even joined the rebels. After this victory, thousands more volunteers joined the Irish side. They also asked France for more help and officially declared a new country called the Republic of Connacht.
What Happened Next?
On August 31, the rebels announced their "Republic of Connaught." But this new country only lasted for 12 days before the British took it back. On September 5, the British forces were defeated again at Collooney. However, after that, the rebellion quickly started to fail.
More British troops gathered. By the time of the Battle of Ballinamuck on September 8, the British had over 15,000 soldiers. Ballinamuck was the end for the French general, Humbert. He surrendered to the British. The Irish rebels fought on for a short time but were then scattered. About 200 were captured, and 500 were killed.
Killala was taken back by the British on September 12. More French warships tried to sail to Ireland to help, but the British Royal Navy defeated them near Tory Island. With that, the 1798 rebellion came to an end. The captured French soldiers were sent to England and later sent back to France.
