Battles & Campaigns · 1649
Battle of Rathmines
Rathmines, Dublin, Ireland
What happened
Ormond's army was trying to capture Dublin. In the night he sent troops to occupy Baggotrath Castle, but they were slow. In the morning Jones attacked, took back the castle, sent his cavalry round the sides and captured the guns, and by midday Ormond's army had collapsed.
Why it matters
It secured Dublin for the Commonwealth, so English reinforcements could land without opposition. Some historians compare its importance to Naseby.
What came next
Oliver Cromwell landed near Dublin on 15 August, beginning the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.
Did you know?
It is sometimes called the Battle of Baggotrath, and a Dublin pub, the Bleeding Horse, is said to be named after horses treated after the battle.
Timeline
- 2 Aug 1649Battle of Rathmines.
- 2 Aug 1649The Royalist siege of Dublin ends.
- 15 Aug 1649Cromwell lands at Ringsend.