Walter Dungan, Viscount Dungan facts for kids

Walter Dungan, Viscount Dungan (born around 1650 – died July 1, 1690) was an Irish soldier and politician. He supported King James II, who was also known as a Jacobite.

Who Was Walter Dungan?

Walter Dungan was an important figure in Irish history. He was a soldier and also involved in politics during a time of big changes in England and Ireland. He was known for supporting King James II.

Early Life and Family

Walter Dungan was the only son of William Dongan, who was the first Earl of Limerick. His mother was Euphemia Maria. Walter was born far away in Jerez de la Frontera, a city in Spain. Even though he was born in Spain, the Parliament of Ireland made him a citizen of Ireland in 1654. This meant he had all the rights of someone born in Ireland.

Supporting King James

Walter's father made sure their family strongly supported King James II. This was especially important after an event called the Glorious Revolution. This revolution saw King James II lose his throne in England.

The Patriot Parliament

In 1689, King James II called a special meeting of the Irish Parliament. This meeting was known as the Patriot Parliament. Walter Dungan was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for the town of Naas. This shows he was an important political figure at the time.

Fighting in the War

Walter Dungan also played a big role in the army. King James gave him a special job in his army during the Williamite War in Ireland. This war was fought between those who supported King James and those who supported William of Orange. Walter became a colonel, leading a group of soldiers called Lord Dongan's Dragoons.

During the Siege of Derry, a famous battle where the city of Derry was surrounded, Walter had an important mission. He was sent to tell the Jacobite commander, Richard Hamilton, that a group of ships led by Percy Kirke was coming to help the city.

His Final Battle

Walter Dungan died on July 1, 1690. He was leading a group of Jacobite horse soldiers during the Battle of the Boyne. This was a very important battle in the Williamite War, and Walter was killed during the fighting.

Because Walter Dungan died, his father's special title, the earldom, was passed on. It went to Walter's uncle, Thomas Dongan, instead of to Walter's own children.