Irish Battles a Military History of Irel

by Gerard Anthony Hayes-McCoy

Irish Battles presents a military history of Ireland in the form of a series of connected studies, recounting fourteen major Irish battles between 1014 and 1798. The battles examined are: Clontarf, 1014 Dublin, 1171 Dysert O'Dea, 1318 Knockdoe, 1504 Farsetmore, 1567 Clontibret, 1595 The Yellow Ford, 1598 Moyry Pass, 1600 Kinsale, 1601 Benburb, 1646 Rathmines, 1649 The Boyne, 1690 Aughrim, 1691 Arklow, 1798

Each battle is discussed in relation to the general history of the period, the development of military science and weaponry, and the topographical aspects of the battlefield itself. Among the special themes developed by the author is the parallel development of two types of Irish warfare: the conventional, formal one; and the warfare of the countryside, which foreshadowed the guerilla tactics of modern times.

Irish Battles is handsomely illustrated with fourteen battle maps and twenty color plates, many depicting the scenes of battle and the weapons used in these tumultuous engagements which shaped and altered the course of Irish history.

Genres: Ireland, History, Nonfiction, Military History, Military Fiction, Irish Literature

326 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1969

Reviews

[Walt]

This is an interesting study on a difficult topics. Many of the battles covered include prehistoric battles so a great of the material includes a lot of support from literature and only passing archeological material. That said, this work is definitely a historical study. The entertaining legends and stories are dragged out like a lecture.

[Andy Allord]

First, five stars to anyone who takes on Irish history of this time and does a fantastic job of compiling a list of references the work is derived from.

Irish history is complex where the Irish experienced needing aid of other countries then only to have those who aided them attempt to take their country. England succeeded for many years. The clans, the power of those clans is a confusing subject alone; yet the authors manage to give a better understanding on such people as O'Neill. As was the case here, clans often paid for their own military for wars.

Highly recommend whether you are into war history or just history of Ireland to read this book.

[Brian Ellis]

Professor Hayes McCoy lectured at University College Galway.
I was privileged to be one of his students and graduated with a history degree in 1969.
This book offers an insight into some of the most important of Irish battles.
You will find yourself referring to Irish Battles over and over.

[D Hendrix]

Any serious Irish Historical re-enactor who is into battle re-enactment should own this book, period.