battle of aughrim interpretative centre

In 1689 this War of the Two Kings, or Cogadh an Da Ri moved to Ireland when James landed in Kinsale, Co Cork. Some of the most epic events in Irish history occurred during this era - besieged cities of Derry; Athlone and Limerick; Ireland's largest naval battle, the Battle of Bantry Bay; the Battle of the Boyne remembered on the "Glorious Twelfth"; a daring raid at Ballyneety; the broken Treaty of Limerick and the Flight of the Wild Geese. Yet little is remembered about the bloodiest battle in Irish history fought in a small Connaught village during the closing stages of the War, this was the battle of Aughrim.

By nightfall, some 9,000 soldiers lay slain on the fields of Aughrim. Amongst the casualties were St. Ruth, the proud French officer, who was killed by chainshot as he led his troops to repulse the final Williamite assault of the battle. Following his death, the battle took its decisive turn and resulted in an overwhelming Williamite victory. The Jacobite resistance to Williamite rule was broken following their shattering defeat at Aughrim and their remaining leaders, including Patrick Sarsfield, agreed to the terms of the Treaty of Limerick.

Facilities include an award-winning tourist information office, guided tours, a coffee shop, books & souvenirs, a bureau-de-c and a public car park.