Liam's Irish Traditional Music - Irelands culture and tradition

The tension between the two communities erupted into violence in 1641 The Catholics turned on the Protestant settlers. A great deal of unrest had been created by the increasing restrictions on the practice of Catholicism and by the English administration of Ireland, as well as by the results of plantation settlement. The uprising was confined to Ulster because plans .for an all‑Ireland rebellion were betrayed.

The leaders of the Irish community did not expect their followers to massacre Protestants, but anger and bitterness had simmered for so long that the plantation communities were often the targets of brutal revenge. Protestant refugees flocked to Dublin. There was not enough food and shelter for so many people, and every building, outhouse and stable was full to overflowing. Some refugees lay in the streets.

I have known of some' of them that lay almost naked, and having clothes sent, laid them by others that would not stir to fetch themselves food, and so even worn out with the misery of the journey and cruel usage, having their spirits spent, their bodies wasted, and their senses failing very many of them died.

(Source: Sir John Temple's account, 1641, quoted James Hewitt eyewitnesses to Ireland in revolt. Osprey Publishing Ltd, 1974)