#Otd 1691: The Battle of Aughrim, fought between Jacobite Irish Army & forces of William III near #Aughrim, Co #Galway. > 7,000 killed. Meant effective end of Jacobitism in Ireland although city of Limerick held out until autumn 1691. #IrishHistory https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Aughrim

Since 1690 #Jacobites retreated behind River Shannon, which acted as a huge moat around #Connacht, with strongholds at #Sligo, #Athlone & #Limerick guarding routes in. Hoped to receive military aid from Louis XIV of France via port towns & then re-take the rest of #Ireland!

12 July 1691: Battle of Aughrim. Marquis de St Ruth (General Charles Chalmont), the French Jacobite general with Irish Catholics were against Godert de Ginkell, the Williamites' Dutch general (& English, Scottish, Danish, Dutch & French Huguenot). Both armies were 20,000 strong!

Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre, Aughrim Village opened 1991. Collaboration between Aughrim Heritage Committee, Ireland West Tourism & @GalwayCoCo. Houses artifacts from battlefield, 3D displays & documentary film on battle & significance in wider context of history.

#Otd 1691: Fall of #Athlone, #Westmeath. Severely outnumbered, Jacobite-held province of Connacht side of town fell. The remainder of the Irish garrison retreated to Limerick. Athlone on River Shannon so key (rebels dismantled bridge as they retreated)! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Athlone

#Otd 1691: Death of French Gen Charles Chalmont, marquis de Saint-Ruth (Jacobite leader) at Battle of Aughrim. Lured Williamites into boggy ground, which at 1st succeeded; cried out with joy: "The day is ours, my children!" But cannonball hit him on head! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquis_de_St_Ruth

#Otd 1691: Battle of #Aughrim, Co #Galway. Was THE or one of the most bloodiest battles ever fought on Irish soil:

1 general
3 major-generals
7 brigadiers
22 colonels
17 lieutenant-colonels
> 7,000 other ranks killed! #Ireland #IrishHistory
http://www.irishevents4u.com/Ireland/history/battle-aughram.htm