Nine Years' War: English Ambushed at Curlew Pass!

August 15, 1599 - English forces are crushed at the Battle of Curlew Pass. Arriving in Ireland with 17,000 men, the Earl of Essex encouraged those Irish chieftains who remained loyal to Queen Elizabeth to strike at the rebels led by Red Hugh O'Donnell. Among those who answered his call was Sir Donogh O’Connor. Sensing danger, O'Donnell laid siege to O'Connor at Collooney Castle to prevent him from uniting with the English. Unwilling to abandon O'Connor, Essex dispatched 1,700 men under Sir Conyers Clifford to break the siege. Leaving 300 men at Collooney, O'Donnell moved to block Clifford's advance. Taking a position in the Curlew Mountains, O'Donnell laid an ambush for the approaching English. Reaching the mountains on August 15, Clifford pressed on believing that the pass was undefended. As the Irish encountered the English, they slowly retreated, luring them into the trap. Launching their attack, the Irish struck the enemy on three sides, driving them back. In the fighting Clifford was killed and his men routed.