The battle of Kinsale, 1601, fought during the Nine Years War of 1594-1603, marked a turning point in European and Irish history. Although the political power of the Gaelic nobility was broken and royal authority in the kingdom was enhanced, Ireland remained strategically important for other European powers, especially Spain and France. Therefore, when political, social and religious changes at home caused many Irish to migrate, temporarily or permanently, they headed for Habsburg and Bourbon territories.