Protestant William of Orange and his forces defeated Catholic James II on this day in 1690 at Battle of the Boyne. William's victory rendered James II's attempt to regain the British throne unsuccessful and allowed for a continuation of Protestant ascendancy in Ireland. The battle was fought across the River Boyne near Drogheda. July 12 is also known as "The Twelfth" or "Orange … [Read more...] about July 12, 1690
Today In History
June 14, 1690
King William III (of Orange) landed in Ireland to confront former King James II. Ireland was controlled by Roman Catholics loyal to James, and Franco-Irish Jacobites arrived from France with French forces in March 1689 to join the war in Ireland and contest Protestant resistance at the Siege of Derry. William sent his navy to the city in July, and his army landed in August. … [Read more...] about June 14, 1690
March 12, 1685
Philosopher George Berkeley was born in Kilkenny on this day in 1685. Berkeley's most substantial contribution to philosophy was his theory of "immaterialism," or "subjective idealism." He combined empiricism (the belief that knowledge comes only from direct sensory experience) with idealism (the belief that reality as we know it is mentally constructed) concluding that … [Read more...] about March 12, 1685
November 14, 1669
On this day in 1669, Oliver Plunkett became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. Plunkett was born in Co. Meath in 1629 and his education was entrusted to his uncle, Patrick Plunkett, Abbot of St. Mary's. He aspired to be a priest from a young age. Plunkett studied at the Irish College in Rome and was ordained a priest in 1654. Irish bishops chose Plunkett to act as … [Read more...] about November 14, 1669
November 30, 1667
On this day in 1667, Jonathan Swift was born in Dublin, Ireland. Swift made a successful career as a satirist, essayist, poet and clergyman. His most famous works include "Gulliver's Travels," "Drapier's Letters," "The Battle of the Books," and "A Modest Proposal," which satirical poked fun at the English approach to the Irish, claiming that impoverished Irishmen could … [Read more...] about November 30, 1667