After the Irish Rebellion started, the rebels first attempted to move into Ulster and capture Belfast. When they met stiff Protestant resistance in Ulster, the rebels turned their focus southward with the goal of taking Dublin. Enroute to attack Dublin, the rebels came upon the town of Drogheda and began the siege of the garrison. Approximately one week after the rebels had encircled Drogheda, the English authorities in Dublin put together a relief force and sent them to reinforce the Royalist strongpoint. Enroute to Drogheda, the English force was ambushed and routed by the rebels in Julianstown.
The battle
The English relief force was hastily put together and largely untrained. Many of the soldiers in the relief force were emaciated and sick refugees from the northern counties who were pressed into service. The detachment was commanded by Sir Patrick Wemyss and was composed of 600 foot and 50 horse. The rebel forces were led by Philip O'Reilly and Miles O'Reilly, both Irish leaders from County Cavan. Their force of 3,000 men including 300 horse had experienced commanders and appears to have been assigned to the south of Drogheda to complete the encirclement of the garrison. On the morning of the battle, the rebels became aware of the approach of the Royalists and prepared an ambush. As the rebels sprung their trap, the English commander did not immediately order his men to attack and fire upon the enemy. By mistake Wemyss ordered his men to "countermarch" which caused them to move backwards as if they were retreating. The rebels took full advantage of the situation and immediately charged the Royalists. The rebel attack caused panic and confusion among the English and prevented them from coordinating an effective counter-attack. Many of the Royalists threw down their weapons and attempted to escape. The Royalist horse fled the field. In the end, the rebels killed almost all of the Royalist foot soldiers.
Aftermath
The victory had several short term benefits for the rebels. From the manner in which they routed the Royalists, the rebel forces gained respect as a military force. It boosted rebel morale and help to spread the revolt throughout Ireland. For the commander of the Irish Royal Army, the Earl of Ormond, the battle showed the determination of the rebels and the degree of support for their cause. Ultimately, the Battle of Julianstown as a small part of the Irish Rebellion indirectly led to the English Civil War and Confederate Ireland.
