Williamite Raid on Castlebellew

Map (Sir William Petty Downs Survey) which shows the castles at Moylough, Mullaghmore and Cloonoran

Courtesy of Joe Clarke

As part of The Cromwellian Plantation, 1655, The Bellew family of Barmeath Co. Louth were transplanted to the Moylough area and granted the O’Kelly Castle, Cloonoran as well as lands.

The Bellews, as Catholics, were supporters of the Catholic Stuart cause and consequently sided with King James 11 against King William 111 in the War of The Two Kings. Aughrim, in July 1691, was the bloodiest battle of the war. Godert de Ginkel commanded the Williamites and a French general, the Marquis de Saint-Ruth led the Jacobites but was killed during the course of the battle. After his victory at Aughrim Ginkel led a party of dragoons in a brutal attack on Castle Bellew.

Attached is a more detailed account of the incident written for Moylough Heritage Society by Joe Clarke, local historian. Thank you Joe.