The Spanish Armada in Ireland refers to the landfall made upon the coast of Ireland in September of a large portion of the strong fleet sent by Philip II to invade England. Following its defeat at the naval battle of Gravelines , the Armada had attempted to return home through the North Atlantic , when it was driven from its course by violent storms, toward the west coast of Ireland.
The prospect of a Spanish landing alarmed the Dublin government of Queen Elizabeth I , which prescribed harsh measures for the Spanish invaders and any Irish who might assist them.
Up to 24 ships of the Armada were wrecked on a rocky coastline spanning km, from Antrim in the north to Kerry in the south, and the threat to Crown authority was readily defeated. Many of the survivors of the multiple wrecks were put to death, and the remainder fled across the sea to Scotland. It is estimated that some 6, members of the fleet perished in Ireland or off its coasts. It met with armed resistance in the English Channel , when a fireship attack off Calais broke its formation, and was driven into the North Sea after the Battle of Gravelines.
When the fleet entered the North Sea, ships remained under Medina Sidonia's command. Many were damaged by gunfire or were running low on supplies, making them unfit for service in the Atlantic Ocean. Some had cut their anchors in the flight from the fireships, which severely diminished their ability to navigate close to shore.
Also, the Armada commanders made a large navigational error that brought the fleet too close to the dangerous Atlantic coasts of Scotland and Ireland. After Gravelines the commanders of the Armada held a conference on Sidonia's flagship. Some proposed a course for Norway, others for Ireland. The admiral made his choice, and orders were issued to the fleet:. The fleet was to approach the coast of Norway, before steering to the meridian of the Shetland Islands and on to Rockall.
