The Wild Geese: Irish Soldiers in the European Wars

The History of Ireland: Rebellion, Empire, and Independence — Fexingo History · Sep 13, 2026 · 8m · transcript

After the Williamite War and the harsh Penal Laws, thousands of Irish soldiers left their homeland not as refugees, but as mercenaries known as the Wild Geese. This episode explores their journey to France, where they served in the famous Irish Brigade under kings like Louis XIV. We trace the career of Patrick Sarsfield, the last commander of the Jacobite army, who led these troops into exile after the Treaty of Limerick. You will hear about their service in the Nine Years' War, the War of the Spanish Succession, and how they became legends across Europe while losing their land at home…