The Battle of Rathangan illustrates the localized guerrilla nature of the 1798 Irish Rebellion, with United Irishmen briefly seizing a County Kildare town before British dragoons retook it.
Key Facts
- Date rebels seized town
- 24 May 1798
- Date of British counterattack
- 28 May 1798
- Days rebels held Rathangan
- 4 days
- British force deployed
- Two squadrons, 7th Dragoon Guards
- Rebel leader
- Captain Doorley, United Irishmen
- British commanding officer
- Lt-Col Stephen Mahon
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1798 Irish Rebellion, led by the United Irishmen, prompted armed uprisings across County Kildare. A rebel force under Captain Doorley attacked the town of Rathangan on 24 May 1798, overwhelming the small yeomanry garrison commanded by Captain James Spencer and occupying the town.
On 28 May 1798, Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Mahon led two squadrons of the 7th Dragoon Guards to retake Rathangan. Mahon advanced into the town with one squadron while the second held the perimeter. A pitched battle ensued, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides before the British forces reasserted control.
The engagement ended four days of rebel occupation of Rathangan and restored Crown authority in the town. The heavy losses on both sides reflected the intensity of fighting in County Kildare during the 1798 rebellion, which was ultimately suppressed by British forces later that year.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Lt-Col Stephen Mahon, Captain James Spencer.
Side B
1 belligerent
Captain Doorley.