The Kildare Horse: Ireland’s Forgotten Cavalry

The History of Ireland: Rebellion, Empire, and Independence — Fexingo History · Oct 10, 2026 · 8m · transcript

While we often remember the Irish Brigade in France or the peacekeepers in the Congo, a smaller, more elite unit played a crucial role in British imperial defense. This episode explores the history of the Kildare Horse, an Irish cavalry regiment raised in the early 19th century. We look at how these soldiers navigated their dual identity as Irishmen serving the Crown during a time of intense nationalist sentiment. The narrative follows their deployment to the Crimean War and the brutal suppression of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Through the eyes of officers like Colonel John O'Connor…