Battle of Mount Street Bridge facts for kids

The Battle of Mount Street Bridge was an important fight during the Easter Rising in 1916. It happened on April 26, 1916, in Dublin, Ireland. The battle involved Irish rebels, known as the Irish Volunteers, and the British Army. It took place near the Grand Canal at the southern end of Mount Street Lower.

Why the Battle Happened

The Easter Rising began on April 24, 1916, which was Easter Monday. Irish rebels wanted to gain independence from British rule. One group of rebels, led by Éamon de Valera, took over a place called Boland's Bakery.

Another small group of 17 Irish Volunteers had a very important job. They were sent to guard the road from Dún Laoghaire. This was to stop British soldiers from reaching Dublin and helping to fight the rebels.

The 17 Volunteers spread out around Mount Street Bridge.

• Four Volunteers went to a house at 25 Northumberland Road. Two of them were sent home because they were too young.
• Four more Volunteers took positions in the Parochial Hall.
• Seven Volunteers defended Clanwilliam House.
• Two Volunteers were stationed in the Schoolhouse.

On April 26, the rebels received news that nearly 2,000 British soldiers had arrived. These soldiers, from the 7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, were heading straight for Mount Street Bridge.

The Battle Begins

The British soldiers stopped at Carisbrook House. They soon realized that Irish Volunteers were in the area. The rebels started firing at the British troops.

Two Volunteers in the house at 25 Northumberland Road began shooting. It took the British Army five hours of constant fighting to force them out of that building. This shows how bravely the small group of rebels fought.

Volunteers in other buildings also fired at the British soldiers. The Irish rebels managed to hold the bridge for nine hours. This was a long time, considering how few rebels there were compared to the many British soldiers.

What Happened After

The Battle of Mount Street Bridge was one of the bloodiest parts of the Easter Rising. The British Army suffered heavy losses here.

• At least 26 to 30 British soldiers were killed.
• About 134 British soldiers were wounded.

The Irish Volunteers also lost some of their brave fighters.

• Four Volunteers were killed during the battle. Their names were Dick Murphy, George Reynolds, Michael Malone, and Patrick Doyle.

Even though the rebels were eventually defeated at Mount Street Bridge, their fierce resistance showed their determination.

See also

• Patrick Whelan
• Theobald Wolfe Tone FitzGerald
• Joe Clarke
• Louisa Nolan