yesterday.ie
← All Dates

On this day

August 15

1649
Politics

August 15, 1649

Oliver Cromwell Arrives in Ireland

On August 15, 1649, Oliver Cromwell, the English Parliamentarian leader, arrived in Ireland as Commander-in-Chief and Lord Lieutenant. He led an army of 20,000 soldiers, equipped with a substantial artillery train. His arrival marked the beginning of the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, a brutal campaign aimed at subjugating the Irish Catholic population and consolidating English control. This period is remembered for its severe repression, massacres, and widespread land confiscations, which had a profound and lasting impact on Irish society, demography, and land ownership patterns for centuries to come.

Read the full story →
1928
Sports

August 15, 1928

1928 Tailteann Games

The second iteration of the modern Tailteann Games took place in 1928. These games continued the tradition of multi-sport and cultural events, attracting participants from various nations. The program included athletics, billiards, boxing, camogie, chess, cycling, Gaelic football, golf, gymnastics, Gaelic handball, hurling, motorcycling, rowing, and swimming.

Read the full story →
1969
Battles

August 15, 1969

British Troops Deployed to Belfast

On August 15, 1969, British troops were deployed to Belfast following three days of intense violence. This period saw seven lives lost and approximately 1,800 families displaced. The disturbances primarily occurred along the Falls Road/Shankill Road divide and in Ardoyne, resulting in six deaths and over 100 mainly Catholic-owned houses being destroyed. Large barricades were erected, particularly in the Falls area. The arrival of British troops was initially met with a welcoming response from residents of the Falls Road, who offered them tea. This deployment marked a significant escalation in what would become known as The Troubles.

Read the full story →
1998
Battles

August 15, 1998

Omagh Bombing

On August 15, 1998, a car bomb planted by the Real IRA exploded in Omagh, County Tyrone, killing twenty-nine people, including a woman pregnant with twins. The attack occurred on a busy Saturday shopping afternoon, causing widespread devastation and international condemnation. It was the deadliest single incident of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. The bombing led to renewed efforts for peace and security, and significant public outcry against paramilitary violence. The event remains a deeply tragic moment in Irish history, highlighting the devastating impact of sectarian conflict.

Read the full story →