Battle of Lifford

Part of Tyrone's Rebellion

Date	October 1600
Location	Lifford, County Donegal, Ireland
Result	Crown victory

Belligerents

Ireland

Gaelic Allies

O'Donnell's rebels
Scottish Redshanks

Commanders and leaders

Niall Garve O'Donnell

Sir John Bolles

Sir Arthur O'Neill

Hugh Roe O'Donnell

Strength

500

The Battle of Lifford took place in Lifford, County Donegal, in Ulster, Ireland, in 1600 during the Nine Years War. A mixed Anglo-Irish force under Sir John Bolles and the Gaelic leaders Niall Garve O'Donnell and Sir Arthur O'Neill captured the strategic town of Lifford. A subsequent attempt to recapture it by rebel forces led by Red Hugh O'Donnell failed.

Lifford was both strategically and politically important as it stands where the River Finn and Mourne meet to form the Foyle and was a traditional stronghold of the O'Donnell dynasty. Niall was a rival claimant to be chief of the O'Donnells, and his presence at Lifford strengthened his claims.

Niall had until recently fought alongside the rebels, led by Tyrone and Niall's brother-in-law Red Hugh O'Donnell, but had changed sides following the landing of an English force at Derry the same year. Niall went over to support the Crown with significant numbers of Gaelic troops, after he had been left in charge of the area while Red Hugh was away raiding south into Connaught. Red Hugh was outraged by Niall's defection, and in retaliation killed his young son.

The Crown forces captured Lifford on 8 October. As they approached the town, the thirty strong rebel garrison set fire to the castle and withdrew, but much of the small town still remained intact. Red Hugh immediately tried to recapture Lifford, but his initial attempt - which involved skirmishing around Castle Finn - left around twelve dead on each side without retaking the town. They then established a blockade on the town in the hope that they could starve out its garrison. Red Hugh was reinforced by Scottish redshank mercenaries hired by his mother on his behalf.

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