what did ireland do during the napolean wars?

I was just curious about this as I'm from the US and all my family lived in Ireland prior to the 40s, so I don't really know much about the Napolean era (it isn't really taught in American schools) and I studied literature so pretty much everything I know about the Napoleanic wars is limited to Wordsworth and romantics being all enthusiastic about the French Revolution and then being horrified when it went south.

So anywho, did Ireland basically just serve the British? When I visited Ireland I noticed that the tower James Joyce lived in was said to be have been built along with a whole bunch of other sea forts to defend the island from Napolean invading. Why would Napolean have invaded there instead of britain, did he want it for some reason?

I'm from Ireland so I could probably give you a nice description of Ireland in that period but I just got home and I'm feeling lazy....so heres something I copied and pasted

In 1789 the French Revolution occurred during which French peasants overthrew the monarchy. Out of the bloodshed emerged a new democratic French republic. For many peasant people across Europe, this new democracy concept was very appealing, since it gave the power to them and not to the aristocracy. In 1791, the newly installed French government offered military assistance to any group who wanted to overthrow their own King. This was very worrying for the surrounding monarchies of England, Spain, Germany and Austria and war soon broke out between them and France.
At the same time, a new organisation was formed in Ireland. Under Wolfe Tone, the United Irishmen (who consisted of Protestants and Catholics alike) declared their belief in a peaceful future for Ireland in which Protestants and Catholics could live together in peace and with equality. They wanted to set up a French-styled democratic republic in Ireland, which was independent of Britain. They quickly gained support, although some, most notably the newly-formed Orange Order which was set up to preserve loyalty to the monarchy, were against them.

Supporting French Republicanism was seen as treasonous by the British considering they were at war with France. Also, Britain was a constitutional monarchy, which meant that the King did not have absolute power. Therefore the British regarded themselves as already democratic. Because of these facts, the British saw the United Irishmen as a national threat to be disposed of.

In 1798, the British began attacking known United Irishmen, and murdering large numbers of Protestant and Catholic members. Tone realised that if they were going to have their rebellion, it would have to be now or never, before the British destroyed them. So a large rebellion began in the spring concentrated in counties Down, Antrim and Wexford. Several bloody battles took place at Antrim, Ballynahinch and Saintfield. The United Irishmen were finally defeated at the Battle of Vinegar Hill in County Wexford. Almost all the several hundred United Irishmen were slaughtered.

However, it was not over. In late 1798, the French sent reinforcements to Ireland and they landed at Mayo, in western Ireland. They invaded and took over the area and gained popular support among the local Irish who saw it as an opportunity to get a better government. The French and their Irish allies got as far as county Sligo before being defeated by the British. While the French were taken prisoner, the local Irish were massacred as a punishment for treason. Wolfe Tone committed suicide in prison whilst awaiting execution. Note that this was the last time a hostile army ever invaded Ireland.

Although the rebellion had been put down, it was clear that Republicanism in Ireland could not be ignored and serious changes were needed in the way Ireland was governed to ensure that such violence did not occur again.

So no..we didn't just serve the British without question . The forts at James Joyce were there to stop Napoleon from helping the Irish to over throw British rule.

Originally Posted by Bloodzen

In 1789 the French Revolution occurred during which French peasants overthrew the monarchy. Out of the bloodshed emerged a new democratic French republic.

Nothing wrong with what you exposed, i just wanted to point than the french revolution couldn't be called a peasant overthrew of the monarchy (even if i understand it's a simplification).
It was mainly a urban phenomenum, from the upper and middle class (the bourgeois) who wanted to take their share of the political power (like they had their share of the economical power) and from the lower class, who wanted a more equalitarian society and democracy.

The peasant mainly watched, rejoiced when the aristocratic and church priviledges were abolished, hoped for land reform when their lands were confiscated by the state and feared the unrest and major political changes in the big cities (especially the attacks against the clergy and religion).
The royalists in Vendée and Britanny were mainly peasants (while the republican in those two areas were urban people).

Originally Posted by Bloodzen

I'm from Ireland so I could probably give you a nice description of Ireland in that period but I just got home and I'm feeling lazy....so heres something I copied and pasted

In 1789 the French Revolution occurred during which French peasants overthrew the monarchy. Out of the bloodshed emerged a new democratic French republic. For many peasant people across Europe, this new democracy concept was very appealing, since it gave the power to them and not to the aristocracy. In 1791, the newly installed French government offered military assistance to any group who wanted to overthrow their own King. This was very worrying for the surrounding monarchies of England, Spain, Germany and Austria and war soon broke out between them and France.
At the same time, a new organisation was formed in Ireland. Under Wolfe Tone, the United Irishmen (who consisted of Protestants and Catholics alike) declared their belief in a peaceful future for Ireland in which Protestants and Catholics could live together in peace and with equality. They wanted to set up a French-styled democratic republic in Ireland, which was independent of Britain. They quickly gained support, although some, most notably the newly-formed Orange Order which was set up to preserve loyalty to the monarchy, were against them.

Supporting French Republicanism was seen as treasonous by the British considering they were at war with France. Also, Britain was a constitutional monarchy, which meant that the King did not have absolute power. Therefore the British regarded themselves as already democratic. Because of these facts, the British saw the United Irishmen as a national threat to be disposed of.

In 1798, the British began attacking known United Irishmen, and murdering large numbers of Protestant and Catholic members. Tone realised that if they were going to have their rebellion, it would have to be now or never, before the British destroyed them. So a large rebellion began in the spring concentrated in counties Down, Antrim and Wexford. Several bloody battles took place at Antrim, Ballynahinch and Saintfield. The United Irishmen were finally defeated at the Battle of Vinegar Hill in County Wexford. Almost all the several hundred United Irishmen were slaughtered.

However, it was not over. In late 1798, the French sent reinforcements to Ireland and they landed at Mayo, in western Ireland. They invaded and took over the area and gained popular support among the local Irish who saw it as an opportunity to get a better government. The French and their Irish allies got as far as county Sligo before being defeated by the British. While the French were taken prisoner, the local Irish were massacred as a punishment for treason. Wolfe Tone committed suicide in prison whilst awaiting execution. Note that this was the last time a hostile army ever invaded Ireland.

Although the rebellion had been put down, it was clear that Republicanism in Ireland could not be ignored and serious changes were needed in the way Ireland was governed to ensure that such violence did not occur again.

So no..we didn't just serve the British without question . The forts at James Joyce were there to stop Napoleon from helping the Irish to over throw British rule.

In fact the area around Mayo was officially called the "Connaught Republic" by the French, but the small force that landed (having lost some ships to the coastal weather) could never have hoped to stay in power.

And heres some gory info, but very un-patriotic of me to say it
When Wolfe Tone tried to kill himself, he did so with a knife to his own throat. He "missed" the artery and slowly bled to death over a few hours.

Originally Posted by -TopCat-

In fact the area around Mayo was officially called the "Connaught Republic" by the French, but the small force that landed (having lost some ships to the coastal weather) could never have hoped to stay in power.

And heres some gory info, but very un-patriotic of me to say it
When Wolfe Tone tried to kill himself, he did so with a knife to his own throat. He "missed" the artery and slowly bled to death over a few hours.

I heard that in school. What an awful way to die. Poor guy.

Originally Posted by XxGREAT-BRITAINx

Ireland you say, damned Irish, the Irish did as her Soveriegn instructed. As to did Scotland and Whales. Serve the Empire.. And of course do what the Irish do best, and occasionally fail... And that is... Rebel...

AGainst overwhelming odds, to take on the largest and most powerful empire in the world without any guns because catholics weren't allowed them.

Originally Posted by EireEmerald

Against overwhelming odds, to take on the largest and most powerful empire in the world without any guns because catholics weren't allowed them.

How did I know you would be here?

Ireland helped Britain alot, but like Ireland is it didnt comply without hesitation.

Originally Posted by Bloodzen

I'm from Ireland so I could probably give you a nice description of Ireland in that period but I just got home and I'm feeling lazy....so heres something I copied and pasted

In 1789 the French Revolution occurred during which French peasants overthrew the monarchy. Out of the bloodshed emerged a new democratic French republic. For many peasant people across Europe, this new democracy concept was very appealing, since it gave the power to them and not to the aristocracy. In 1791, the newly installed French government offered military assistance to any group who wanted to overthrow their own King. This was very worrying for the surrounding monarchies of England, Spain, Germany and Austria and war soon broke out between them and France.
At the same time, a new organisation was formed in Ireland. Under Wolfe Tone, the United Irishmen (who consisted of Protestants and Catholics alike) declared their belief in a peaceful future for Ireland in which Protestants and Catholics could live together in peace and with equality. They wanted to set up a French-styled democratic republic in Ireland, which was independent of Britain. They quickly gained support, although some, most notably the newly-formed Orange Order which was set up to preserve loyalty to the monarchy, were against them.

Supporting French Republicanism was seen as treasonous by the British considering they were at war with France. Also, Britain was a constitutional monarchy, which meant that the King did not have absolute power. Therefore the British regarded themselves as already democratic. Because of these facts, the British saw the United Irishmen as a national threat to be disposed of.

In 1798, the British began attacking known United Irishmen, and murdering large numbers of Protestant and Catholic members. Tone realised that if they were going to have their rebellion, it would have to be now or never, before the British destroyed them. So a large rebellion began in the spring concentrated in counties Down, Antrim and Wexford. Several bloody battles took place at Antrim, Ballynahinch and Saintfield. The United Irishmen were finally defeated at the Battle of Vinegar Hill in County Wexford. Almost all the several hundred United Irishmen were slaughtered.

However, it was not over. In late 1798, the French sent reinforcements to Ireland and they landed at Mayo, in western Ireland. They invaded and took over the area and gained popular support among the local Irish who saw it as an opportunity to get a better government. The French and their Irish allies got as far as county Sligo before being defeated by the British. While the French were taken prisoner, the local Irish were massacred as a punishment for treason. Wolfe Tone committed suicide in prison whilst awaiting execution. Note that this was the last time a hostile army ever invaded Ireland.

Although the rebellion had been put down, it was clear that Republicanism in Ireland could not be ignored and serious changes were needed in the way Ireland was governed to ensure that such violence did not occur again.

So no..we didn't just serve the British without question . The forts at James Joyce were there to stop Napoleon from helping the Irish to over throw British rule.

Thats pretty much everything i was going to say.

The Irish fought on both sides of the war, and had a much larger part in the British army this time around as Catholics were only recently allowed guns and join the British army.

You also gave us some good Regiments, dont forget that.

Interesting stuff, Bloodzen. One of my close friends is Irish and he does not have much to say about the English of the time (though I am english myself). I still sense the anger from him.

As to the game it`s an interesting coincidence as i have been playing with darthmod and I was doing quite well. Well I got over confident and the Irish rebelled. They caught me totally by surprise as I was concentrating on fight the US and French in the Americas. They took scotland, then did a NAVAL invasion of England by landing in Liverpool, bypassed my huge rescue army and took London to my shock. I eventually took london back, and invaded and took Ireland, but it took me about 6 years to do it. I lost loads of money. I had to get rid of loads of stuff to save money including scuttling all my ships. Then Spain declared war and with france kicked me out of the Americas and the carribean.

I paid dearly for not paying attention to Ireland.

Originally Posted by Humble Warrior

Interesting stuff, Bloodzen. One of my close friends is Irish and he does not have much to say about the English of the time (though I am english myself). I still sense the anger from him.

I find it very interesting how English history books don't describe the pain,suffering and destruction the English or British army caused to other countries in the past .

Correct me if I'm wrong but when you learnt about the rebellions in Ireland in school...or was it such a small part of English history that it wasn't included did it mention how the British army slaughtered the Irish and tortured them.I guess the same could be said for the American revolution also,from what friends of mine have told me there isn't much mention in English history books of what it was like for the Americans during that time.

I'm not surprised by your friends behavior as I know of quite a few people who dislike the British even though its been nearly a hundred years since we have fought.

I myself have no problem whatsoever with your country and its people but I think its funny how a country with such a large history seems to ignore its notorious reputation with other countries.

Originally Posted by Bloodzen

I find it very interesting how English history books don't describe the pain,suffering and destruction the English or British army caused to other countries in the past .

Correct me if I'm wrong but when you learnt about the rebellions in Ireland in school...or was it such a small part of English history that it wasn't included did it mention how the British army slaughtered the Irish and tortured them.I guess the same could be said for the American revolution also,from what friends of mine have told me there isn't much mention in English history books of what it was like for the Americans during that time.

I'm not surprised by your friends behavior as I know of quite a few people who dislike the British even though its been nearly a hundred years since we have fought.

I myself have no problem whatsoever with your country and its people but I think its funny how a country with such a large history seems to ignore its notorious reputation with other countries.

Well, every country has its very dark deeds. Even the Americans are not innocent as i`m sure the American Indians privately have a lot of anger against them - they were pretty much obliterated as a people and still live in `reservations` like zoo animals some of them. One nation oppresses another that oppresses another, etc. It`s no excuse, but no one is pure in the Human race.

And let`s not forget that what happened then was by a different generation with different values of a different time. Not the English today. As I sometimes have to remind my friend.

Originally Posted by Bloodzen

I find it very interesting how English history books don't describe the pain,suffering and destruction the English or British army caused to other countries in the past .

Correct me if I'm wrong but when you learnt about the rebellions in Ireland in school...or was it such a small part of English history that it wasn't included did it mention how the British army slaughtered the Irish and tortured them.I guess the same could be said for the American revolution also,from what friends of mine have told me there isn't much mention in English history books of what it was like for the Americans during that time.

I'm not surprised by your friends behavior as I know of quite a few people who dislike the British even though its been nearly a hundred years since we have fought.

I myself have no problem whatsoever with your country and its people but I think its funny how a country with such a large history seems to ignore its notorious reputation with other countries.

Well if I was British I would be less inclined to remember that part as well as the famine and the new model army's campaign as well as the plantations. Every country tries to block out the bad parts of their history and instead romanticises it.


This is what happened to people who supported te rebels





thats not mentioned in the books either.

Which books refuse to mention this?

I concede that Britain does not have a spotless history but nor does Ireland, and crushing rebellions in such a manner was common practice, regardless of the supporters' nationality (see Monmouth rebellion).

I realise that people can be very bitter about the past but surely there are more recent atrocities to get worked up about?

Originally Posted by Bloodzen

I find it very interesting how English history books don't describe the pain,suffering and destruction the English or British army caused to other countries in the past .

I've never read a British history book but I'm inclined to agree with you when pretty much every Brit on this forum thinks the British Empire's imperialist rampage of murder, torture, slavery, exploitation and repression is the most awesome thing in the history of Earth.

Originally Posted by Graphic

I've never read a British history book but I'm inclined to agree with you when pretty much every Brit on this forum thinks the British Empire's imperialist rampage of murder, torture, slavery, exploitation and repression is the most awesome thing in the history of Earth.

A! the British did alot of great things for Ireland also. it was really the culture that ended up making up must of the fighting with England trying to tune us in to west England.

Originally Posted by Graphic

I've never read a British history book but I'm inclined to agree with you when pretty much every Brit on this forum thinks the British Empire's imperialist rampage of murder, torture, slavery, exploitation and repression is the most awesome thing in the history of Earth.

Then perhaps you should read some books. Americans describing their westward expansion is hardly any more inspiring.

Originally Posted by Graphic

I've never read a British history book but I'm inclined to agree with you when pretty much every Brit on this forum thinks the British Empire's imperialist rampage of murder, torture, slavery, exploitation and repression is the most awesome thing in the history of Earth.

No, they don't. And the fact you make such a statement without irony while flying a Tricolour gives the distinct impression you feel your own country's imperialist rampage of murder, torture, slavery, exploitation and repression was somehow benign. True, Britain was (arguably) the most successful at the above, but plenty of other European countries gave it a pretty good crack. So some self-awareness, please.

On the topic of Ireland in the period, does anyone know how many Irishmen served in Napoleon's forces? Were there any notable Irish formations? You don't hear about any, unlike in the ETW period.

Originally Posted by Blarni

On the topic of Ireland in the period, does anyone know how many Irishmen served in Napoleon's forces? Were there any notable Irish formations? You don't hear about any, unlike in the ETW period.

Probably the most notable would be the 88th Regiment of Foot, Connaught Rangers. They were the first British regiment to capture a French Eagle. The 87th Prince of Wale's Own Irish were also an Irish regiment. Outside of those I am unaware of any other Irish(foot) regiments but up to and sometimes a wee bit more than 30% of the other(non-Scottish)regiments were made up of Irish. These of course on the British side.


On the French side the Irish Legion was an expat regiment. It was renamed a few times so other mentions of Irish regiments are more than likely referring to it. They acquited themselves well for the French fighting in many of the important battles of the time and earning honours. The only 'oddity' I can think of to mention is that they regularly replenished their numbers by recruiting British(Irish)prisoners of war. This should give you some idea of how common Irish were in British regiments.

Also anybody can mention bloody sunday but expect the response Eniskillen, neither justified the other

That mention was a wee bit of joke in case you didn't catch it.



Blarni- Demographically it varied. In the west native landowners were more common. It's been a while since I was taught all this but I believe that the majority of landowners throughout the country were Planter stock with 'convert' native landowners in the minority except in the far reachs.

Originally Posted by Blarni

On the topic of Ireland in the period, does anyone know how many Irishmen served in Napoleon's forces? Were there any notable Irish formations? You don't hear about any, unlike in the ETW period.

You don't hear about any largely because by the time of the Napoleonic Wars Britain was recruiting the Irish into the army. For much of the 18th century they were not allowed to serve and therefore emigrated to serve in the armies of France, Spain and other states.
When the ban was lifted the Irish emigration to serve overseas almost vanished entirely. The Irish were actually very loyal soldiers to Britain, indeed still are.

Only one Irish battalion served with Napoleon, the already mentioned Legion Irlandais. They fought at Flushing, Astorga and Antwerp.

Originally Posted by Bloodzen

I find it very interesting how English history books don't describe the pain,suffering and destruction the English or British army caused to other countries in the past .

Correct me if I'm wrong but when you learnt about the rebellions in Ireland in school...or was it such a small part of English history that it wasn't included did it mention how the British army slaughtered the Irish and tortured them.I guess the same could be said for the American revolution also,from what friends of mine have told me there isn't much mention in English history books of what it was like for the Americans during that time.

I'm not surprised by your friends behavior as I know of quite a few people who dislike the British even though its been nearly a hundred years since we have fought.

I myself have no problem whatsoever with your country and its people but I think its funny how a country with such a large history seems to ignore its notorious reputation with other countries.

Im not supporting the English and what they did (im Scottish i understand) but the british were better then the other colonialists (Spanish, French, Portuguese) i'd rather be under the british the any of those other ones (this was during the 1500 - 1780 era)