Sieges of Galway facts for kids
The city of Galway in Ireland has a long and exciting history filled with battles, attacks, and sieges. It was first built as a naval base and fort in 1124 by Tairrdelbach mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair. Later, in 1230, Richard Mor de Burgh rebuilt it as a military outpost and town. This article explores the many conflicts that shaped Galway over the centuries.
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Dun Beal Gallimhe: Galway's First Fort
Dun Beal Gallimhe means "fort at the mouth of the Gallimhe river." It was likely located where the Customs House stands today, right in the middle of the old medieval city. After Galway was officially founded in 1232, a castle and a large hall, known as the Red Earl's hall, were built on this spot.
Some clues suggest that Vikings might have used this area as a temporary camp in the 9th and 10th centuries. However, the first known building was put up in 1124 by the High King, Tairrdelbach mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair.
This fort was a great spot for a military base. To the north, small islands and boggy ground made it hard for enemies to attack. To the south, muddy areas and tides also made it difficult to approach. The fort itself was on a narrow piece of land, easy for a small group of defenders to protect. To the west was the fast-flowing River Corrib, which was one of the few places to cross. If things went badly, defenders could escape across the river into Iar Connacht.
Even though it wasn't the best port for large ships, Dun Beal Gallimhe was important. It offered a way to travel into Lough Corrib and attack nearby kingdoms. It also provided a route for local rulers to strike at their enemies. This strategic location played a big part in many future battles. Over time, Galway grew from a military fort into a major trading port, becoming known as "the City of the Tribes" (see Tribes of Galway).
O Brian's Attack in 1132
In the early 12th century, naval battles were common in Ireland. This might be why High King Tairrdelbach mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair built Dún Béal Gallimhe in 1124. It was in the land of the O Hallorans, but the Ua Flaithbheartaigh family, who were the High King's allies, watched over it.
In the summer of 1132, Conchobhair O Brian, the ruler of Thomond (now north Munster), attacked a nearby area. He stole many cows. Soon after, he launched a full attack on the High King's new naval base at Dún Béal Gallimhe. Records from the time say that "The castle of Bun-Gaillmhe was burned and demolished [by] a fleet of the men of Munster."
The Munstermen then raided other areas, killing many people, including Conchobhar Ua Flaithbheartaigh, a local lord. The High King thought this fort was very important, so it was rebuilt.
O Brian's Attack in 1149
Another attack on Dún Béal Gallimhe happened in 1149. This time, it was led by Toirdhealbhach O Brían, who was then King of Thomond. His goal was to steal goods from the rich lands of Maigh Seola and destroy the fort.
Before 1149, the kings of Connacht and Thomond were busy dealing with problems in their own kingdoms. In 1144, they even signed a peace treaty. However, the next year, O Brían was defeated by O Conchobair. This led to open war between them. O Brían attacked Connacht, capturing and killing some of O Conchobair's allies.
Finally, in 1149, O Brían reached his goal. Records state that "An army was led by Toirdhealbhach Ua Briain and the men of Munster into Connacht... they carried off a great spoil of cattle, and demolished Dún-Gaillmhe." This shows that destroying the fort was part of a bigger plan to weaken O Conchobair and his allies.
De Burgh's Sieges: 1230-1235
After Cathal Crobderg Ua Conchobair died in 1224, his son Aedh became King of Connacht. Aedh faced many challenges, including a rebellion and an invasion. He got help from his Norman allies to put down these revolts.
However, Aedh became worried when his Norman allies attacked southern Connacht without his permission. This showed him that the Normans were greedy and wanted more land.
In 1228, Aedh mac Cathal was killed by the Normans. Aedh mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair was chosen as the new king. But in 1230, Aedh and his allies turned against the Normans. They raided Norman lands, refusing to be ruled by them. In response, Richard Mor de Burgh led an army into Connacht, bringing Felim mac Cathal Crobderg Ua Conchobair, whom he wanted to make king instead of Aedh. They headed straight for Gallimhe.
The 1230 Siege
The fort at Gallimhe was defended by Aedh Ua Flaithbertaig, who supported Aedh mac Ruaidri. When de Burgh arrived, Aedh mac Ruaidri and his Connacht forces came to help. There was a lot of fighting, but neither side won a clear victory. De Burgh eventually left, heading north to chase cattle and people who had hidden in the mountains.
Even though he didn't win, de Burgh saw how important Dún Béal Gallimhe was. He knew he would be back.
The 1232 Siege
In 1232, de Burgh returned with a strong army. He captured Fedhlim O'Conor and put Hugh O'Conor in his place as king. De Burgh took control of the castle and made many improvements to it.
O Conchobhair's 1233 Siege
When Hugh O'Conor died in 1233, Fedhlim O'Conor was freed. He quickly took back the town and castle, and then he destroyed the changes de Burgh had made to the castle.
De Burgh's 1235 Siege
Richard de Burgh captured the town again in 1235. He made Galway the capital of the province and lived there until he died in 1271.
O Donnell's Attack in 1596
During the Nine Years' War, Hugh Ruadh O'Donnell and other leaders attacked Galway county in 1596. After burning Athenry, they marched to Galway town. They asked for supplies but were refused. In response, they set fire to houses outside the town walls. However, Galway's defenders used cannons and fought back, forcing O'Donnell's forces to retreat to Mayo.
Lord Forbes's Siege in 1642
On August 7, 1642, a fleet of seventeen ships appeared in Galway Bay. They were led by Lord Forbes and had come to help the English soldiers at Forthill, a fort near Galway. Forbes sent a letter to Mayor Walter Lynch, telling the town to admit they were rebels and ask for the King's forgiveness. He demanded they accept new governors or be protected by him.
Mayor Lynch and the town council refused. They asked the Earl of Clanricarde, who was neutral, for protection. Clanricarde warned Forbes that attacking Galway would cause more war.
Lord Forbes, advised by his chaplain, ignored these warnings. Since he couldn't attack the town directly, he landed his men west of Galway and took over St. Mary's Church. His troops damaged the church and even dug up graves in the churchyard, looking for valuables.
Forbes placed cannons at St. Mary's and fired at the city. But the cannons didn't do much damage. By early September, his soldiers were tired and unpaid. On September 4, Forbes gave up and sailed away. Forthill was left on its own again, and the people of Galway became even more determined to support the Irish Confederates.
Confederate Siege of Fort-Hill: 1642–1643
After Lord Forbes left, the Confederates immediately began to besiege Fort-Hill on September 4, 1642. The siege lasted until Captain Willoughby surrendered the fort on June 20, 1643.
Coote's Siege: 1651–1652
The Siege of Galway by the Parliamentarian forces happened from August 1651 to May 1652, during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. Galway was the last city in Ireland held by Irish Catholic forces. Its fall meant the end of most organized resistance against the Parliamentarian army.
Ginkel's Siege in 1691
This short siege took place during the Williamite Wars. After winning the Battle of Aughrim on July 12, 1691, the Dutch Williamite General Godert de Ginkell decided to capture Galway before moving on to Limerick.
Galway's defenses were weak, but it had enough food, and more soldiers were promised. The town's Governor, Lord Dillon, and the military commander decided to hold out. On July 20, 1691, 14,000 Williamite troops surrounded the town and took an outer fort. Other troops blocked the path for any reinforcements.
Under pressure from the townspeople, the Governor surrendered. A treaty was signed the next day, on July 26. It allowed anyone who wanted to leave to do so safely, and those who stayed received a free pardon. The Governor and his soldiers were taken to Limerick, and Sir Henry Belasyse became the new Governor of Galway.
