Conflict:
The Battle of Curlew Pass took place during the Nine Years' War.
Date:
O'Donnell won his victory on August 15, 1599.
Armies & Commanders:
English
- Sir Conyers Clifford
- 1,700 men
Irish
- Hugh Roe O'Donnell
- approx. 2,000 men
Battle of Curlew Pass Summary:
After five years of rebellion in Ireland, the Earl of Essex landed with 17,000 men in April 1599. Seeking to consolidate his position, Essex began enlisting support from those chieftains who remained loyal to Queen Elizabeth I. Among those who joined his ranks was Sir Donogh O’Connor. After meeting, Essex encouraged O'Connor to attack and regain his properties in Sligo, with the goal of opening a western invasion route into the rebellion's heartland in Ulster. To support O'Connor's efforts a naval force would be sent north from Galway.
Learning of O'Connor's intentions, the leaders of the rebellion, "Red" Hugh O'Donnell and Hugh O'Neill decided to attack first. As he moved towards Sligo, O'Connor was besieged at Collooney Castle by the rebels. This development forced Essex to dispatch a force to relieve his beleaguered ally. Orders were quickly issued to Sir Conyers Clifford at Athlone to move against O'Donnell with 1,500 infantry and 200 cavalry. Though the relief effort was initially a nuisance, Essex ultimately hoped that it would distract O'Neill, allowing him to attack into Ulster.
Alerted to Clifford's movements, O'Donnell elected to intercept the English column. Leaving 300 men to continue the siege, he sent 600 to Sligo to prevent the landing of reinforcements from Galway. Reaching Dunavaragh with 1,500 men, he increased his numbers to around 2,000 with the addition of Conor MacDermott and Brian Oge O'Rourke's men. Moving southeast, O'Donnell occupied a position across the English line of advance in the Curlew Mountains. Unwilling to face Clifford in an open battle, the Irish prepared an elaborate ambush in one of the mountain passes.
Moving northwest from Athlone, Clifford' men endured hot summer weather and reached the village of Boyle, near the base of the mountains, by late afternoon. Though his men were tired and hungry, Clifford insisted on pressing through the mountains as he had intelligence that the passes were undefended. Promising his men a hearty meal once they crossed the passes, Clifford resumed the march. Alerted to the English arrival in Boyle, O'Donnell began forming his men for the ambush. Trees were felled across the road to slow the English and barricades constructed.
Placing archers and musketeers in the woods to harass the English, the main body of Irish infantry was formed out of sight, just over the crest of the ridge. Encountering the first barricade, the lead elements of Clifford's column were able to break through as the Irish retreated, drawing the English into the trap. Taking fire from the woods, the advance was delayed while troops moved off the road to clear them. Pressing on, the English moved into a boggy area. Here they met heavy fire from the Irish and a 90-minute firefight ensued.
With their ammunition low, the commander of the English vanguard, Alexander Radcliffe, lost control of his men. Falling back in disarray, they collided with the main body of English column. With Clifford's ranks in confusion, the Irish infantry stormed over the ridge and engaged the English in hand-to-hand combat. Though stunned by the Irish assault, Clifford regained his composure and led a counterattack against the enemy lines. This failed and he was killed by an Irish pikeman. With the infantry fleeing, Sir Griffin Markham led the English cavalry forward. This advance allowed the English to retreat safely.
Aftermath:
The Battle of Curlew Pass cost the English around 500 killed and wounded, including Sir Conyers Clifford. Exact Irish losses are not known, however they are believed to have been light. After the battle, Clifford's head was paraded in front of Collooney Castle to intimidate O'Connor. The ploy worked and he surrendered the castle as short time later. A setback for Essex, the defeat badly damaged the morale of his army and led to an increased rate of desertion among his Irish troops. Marching north later that year, Essex ultimately accepted a truce from O'Neill.
Selected Sources
