Boyne Approaches(c.1690s)
For Limerick, the events of 1690 marked the beginning of the campaign that would eventually drive the Jacobite army towards the Shannon and make the city central to Ireland’s resistance. The fall of Charlemont, the arrival of French troops and William of Orange’s decision to command the invasion personally transformed the war. From this point onward, every strategic mistake brought the conflict closer to Limerick’s walls.
During the winter, James II failed to destroy Schomberg’s weakened army. When campaigning resumed, Williamite forces seized Belturbet and Cavan after a confused battle in which the Jacobites initially gained the advantage but were thrown into panic by the deaths and wounding of senior officers. Their retreat left Schomberg free to concentrate upon Charlemont Castle.
Colonel Teague O’Regan commanded the isolated fortress. Surrounded and short of food, he rejected Schomberg’s offer of honourable surrender, declaring that he would defend the castle for James or die within its ruins. After a siege lasting nine months, starvation forced the garrison to capitulate on 14 May. O’Regan and his surviving soldiers were permitted to march out with their arms and baggage. James later knighted him and entrusted him with the defence of Sligo.
The resistance at Charlemont delayed Schomberg’s advance and gave James time to prepare. Tyrconnell travelled to France seeking money, weapons and soldiers. Louis XIV sent approximately six thousand troops under the Duke of Lauzun, together with artillery. In exchange, James transferred Mountcashel’s experienced Irish soldiers to French service. These men became the foundation of the celebrated Irish Brigade, but their departure deprived Ireland of some of its finest troops.
William received substantial financial support from Parliament and landed at Carrickfergus in June 1690. His available forces in Ireland exceeded sixty thousand experienced soldiers. From these, he assembled a field army of approximately forty thousand men, supported by powerful artillery and continental veterans.
James could place only about twenty thousand men in the field. His infantry included French troops and poorly armed Irish levies, although his cavalry was experienced and highly regarded. Irish commanders urged him to abandon Dublin and withdraw behind the Shannon. From there, they believed they could wage a defensive campaign, delay William until winter and await stronger French assistance.
James refused to surrender the capital without battle. He believed that abandoning Dublin would destroy his reputation, weaken French confidence and surrender Leinster and Munster to William. Both arguments contained logic, but James chose to risk the survival of his cause in a direct confrontation.
As William advanced through Newry and Dundalk, James gradually withdrew through Ardee towards Drogheda. On 29 June, the Jacobite army crossed the River Boyne and occupied the heights of Donore. There, overlooking the river, James prepared to meet William’s larger and better-equipped army.
The decision would determine control of Dublin and redirect the entire war. Defeat at the Boyne would force the Jacobites westward, placing Athlone, Galway and ultimately Limerick between William’s army and complete conquest. The struggle for Ireland would thereafter move steadily towards the Shannon.
Primary Sources
These sources support the article’s account of Charlemont, French military assistance, William’s arrival and the armies’ movement towards the Boyne. The supplied narrative describes O’Regan’s prolonged defence and honourable surrender of Charlemont.
- Articles of War between the Duke of Schomberg and Teague O’Regan — 12 May 1690.
The original surrender terms for Charlemont Castle allowed O’Regan’s surviving garrison to depart with its weapons, baggage and other military honours. This directly supports the article’s account of the fortress’s capitulation after its prolonged defence. (Folger Catalog) - Letters from the Marquis de Louvois to the Comte de Lauzun — May–June 1690.
These original French government letters concern Lauzun’s command of the French contingent sent to assist James II in Ireland. Preserved by the National Library of Ireland, they provide direct evidence of French military policy, instructions and involvement in the 1690 campaign. (NLI Sources) - William III, Proclamation issued near Loughbrickland — 24 June 1690.
William ordered his soldiers not to seize cattle, food or supplies without payment and threatened offenders with death. Issued while his army was advancing south, it reveals the problems of discipline and provisioning within the Williamite force. (National Library of Ireland Catalogue) - George Story, A True and Impartial History of the Most Material Occurrences in the Kingdom of Ireland — 1691.
Story accompanied the Williamite army as a chaplain and recorded the campaign as a participant. His narrative describes William’s arrival, the size and organisation of the forces, the advance through Ulster and the confrontation at the Boyne. His account reflects a strongly Williamite viewpoint. (Quod) - A Relation of the Victory Obtained by the King in Ireland at the Passage of the Boyne — July 1690.
Published immediately after the battle, this authorised broadside describes William’s encampment, his injury from Jacobite artillery, the crossing of the Boyne and the surrender of Drogheda. It represents the official Williamite account circulated to the public. (Folger Catalog)
The Charlemont articles and French correspondence provide military and diplomatic evidence, while Story, William’s proclamation and the official Boyne report largely present the Williamite interpretation.
