A History of the First Desmond Rebellion in Ireland

The Desmond Rebellions occurred betweenwho established himself as loyal to the English
1569-1573 and 1579-1583 staged by the Earls ofCrown and became the most powerful lord in the
Desmond against Elizabeth I's attempts to imposesouth of Ireland. In the aftermath of the rebellion
her control on the province of Munster. JamesGaelic customs, Gaelic dress, Brehon laws and the
Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald launched the First Desmondmaintaining of private armies were again outlawed.
Rebellion in 1569, attacking Cork and laying siegeIn addition English colonists continued to arrive into
to Kilkenny. Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy of Irelandthe province threatening the existence of Irish
mobilised troops and began devastatinglandowners. So when Fitzmaurice returned from
Fitzmaurice's allies' lands. This had a terrible effectContinental Europe with a view to mounting
on Fitzmaurice, breaking up his forces as individualanother insurrection, there were plenty of
lords had to return to defend their lands.disenfranchised contenders willing to join his ranks,
Fitzmaurice fled into the Kerry mountains frompaving the way for the Second Desmond
where he conducted a guerrilla campaign againstRebellion.
the English forces. However, by 1573 his forces 
had been completely decimated until less than oneRussell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring
hundred were left by his side, he submitted,Ireland, the leading specialists in customised,
negotiating a pardon for his life. Arguably, the realprivate escorted tours, escorted coach tours and
winner of the rebellion was the Earl of Ormonde,independent self drive tours of Ireland.