The Aftermath

The Battle of the Boyne was fought for control of Dublin. After the battle James fled to France and the Jacobites retreated behind the river Shannon. William decided to take Limerick city but failed to do so that year, due to a brilliant calvary raid by Patrick Sarsfield on William’s siege train at Ballyneety.

It was a temporary delay, the following year Jacobite hopes were finished at the battle of Aughrim in Co Galway. Shortly after Aughrim the final surrender was signed at Limerick.

The Treaty of Limerick was mainly a military document which ensured that the Jacobite army were allowed to leave Ireland and fight in France. The civil articles which promised freedom of religion were never honoured.

The Boyne ensured the future of the Protestant settlement in Ireland. It was over 100 years before a serious challenge was made to the Protestant hegemony in Ireland. The battle has tremendous political importance for Northern Irish Unionists who still celebrate its anniversary each year.