Williamite War in Ireland Archives

IN THE STONEYBATTER AREA OF DUBLIN

The parish history says that Cardinal Paul Cullen blessed the foundation stone of the Church of the Holy Family in April 1874. The first Mass was celebrated on the 8th of December 1876. The Church of the Holy Family is home to the Italian Catholic Community in Dublin.

The origin of the name “Aughrim Street” is directly connected to the Battle of Aughrim, a decisive battle fought in 1691 during the Williamite War in Ireland. Apparently the street was part of Blackhorse Lane.

The Battle of Aughrim was the decisive clash within the wider Williamite War in Ireland (1689-1691). This conflict stemmed from England’s Glorious Revolution of 1688, where the Catholic King James II was deposed and replaced by the Protestant William of Orange.

Opposing Forces: James II sought to regain his throne with French support, forming the Jacobite army (mostly Irish Catholics). William of Orange and his allies, the Williamites, fought to maintain Protestant control over England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Aughrim, in County Galway, was strategically critical. The Jacobite army, under the French General St. Ruth, held a strong defensive position on Kilcommodon Hill. Capturing this location would allow the Williamites to control Connacht, the last major Jacobite stronghold.

Bloody Struggle: The battle was one of the bloodiest fought on Irish soil. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, with estimates ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 dead.

The battle was closely fought, with the sides see-sawing for advantage. The climax came when the Jacobite commander, St. Ruth, was decapitated by a cannonball, causing disarray in their ranks.

The Williamites pressed their advantage and broke through the Jacobite lines. The Irish forces retreated in disarray, suffering terrible losses.

Aughrim was a crushing defeat for the Jacobites. Jacobite resistance in Ireland largely crumbled soon after. The city of Limerick held out for a short while but ultimately surrendered in late 1691.

Consequences for Ireland: The war solidified the power of the Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland. Catholics faced land confiscations and harsh penal laws that severely limited their rights and opportunities for centuries to come.

The battle also had wider implications for Europe. It strengthened William of Orange’s position and confirmed England’s place as a major Protestant power, while weakening the influence of France under Louis XIV.