O’Neill Rebellion

Irish history

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July 1, 2026

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The O'Neill Rebellion, led by Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone, was a significant Roman Catholic uprising against English rule in Ireland from 1595 to 1603. O'Neill, a powerful figure in Ulster, initially cooperated with Queen Elizabeth I but eventually led a widespread revolt after reopening hostilities in 1598. His forces achieved a notable victory at the Battle of the Yellow Ford.1

Despite receiving support from Spanish troops, O'Neill suffered a major defeat at Kinsale in 1601. He ultimately surrendered in 1603, marking the final subjugation of Ireland by the English. The subsequent "flight of the earls" in 1607 signaled the end of Gaelic Ulster and led to the province's rapid Anglicization.1

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Ireland
The Shane O’Neill rebellion
The first of these rebellions, that of Shane O’Neill, fully exposed the weakness and later the folly of the government. O’Neill’s father, Conn the Lame (Conn Bacach), who as the “O’Neill” was head of a whole network of clans, had been made earl…
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The first of these rebellions, that of Shane O’Neill, fully exposed the weakness and later the folly of the government. O’Neill’s father, Conn the Lame (Conn Bacach), who as the “O’Neill” was head of a whole network of clans, had been made earl…
Read More