Related Archive: Patrick Sarsfield

Ballyneety and the Broken Siege

In 1690 Ireland became central to the war between James II and William III, linked to the wider European struggle against France. William’s multinational army defeated the Jacobites at the Boyne, prompting James’s flight to France and William’s occupation of Dublin. Administrative measures followed, affecting coinage, property and allegiance. However, Jacobite forces withdrew towards the Shannon, where Limerick resisted William’s siege. Patrick Sarsfield’s Ballyneety raid disrupted the Williamite artillery train, while a later assault failed amid worsening conditions. William lifted the siege. Williamite victories at Cork and Kinsale secured southern ports, but Limerick’s survival ensured the conflict continued into 1691.