The Nine Years War, 1593-1603: O'Neill, Mountjoy and the Military Revolution

The Nine Years War was one of the most traumatic in the history of Ireland. Backed by Philip II of Spain, Tyrone outclassed the forces of the English Crown, achieving a string of stunning victories and bringing the power of Elizabeth I in Ireland to the brink of collapse. Lord Mountjoy reformed the demoralized English army and rolled back the advances achieved by Tyrone. Mountjoy’s success was crowned by his shattering defeat of Tyrone and his Spanish allies at Kinsale in 1601, which ultimately led to the earl’s submission in 1603, though not before famine, misery and atrocity took their toll on the people of Ireland. .