Weaponry of 1798 
Many of the rebel insurgents came from the general population and were not trained soldiers. Their weapons were often farm implements or adapted from them. Blacksmiths were persecuted by the yeomanry and had to produce implements, including the indispensable pike, in secret. Even weapons that were taken from the Crown Forces in battle or ambush were often of limited use as ammunition was always in short supply. The Crown Forces, on the other hand, had the might and modern weaponry of colonial England at its disposal, including muskets and cannon.
The Blunderbuss
The Flintlock
Grapeshot
The Cannon
Farm Implements
Cavalry Sword
The Musket
The Bayonet
The Pike
Pikes were the principal weapon used by the insurgents. It was regarded as an effective weapon especially in close combat. The original pike head was six inches long and spear shaped. The handle was approximately six feet long.
Later a hook was added to the side of the pike head to enable the insurgent to cut the reins of horses in order to dismount the rider. According to Myles Byrne, the pike was more easily managed than a soldier’s musket or bayonet.
Successful methods and techniques to use the Pike were employed with the help of songs and recitations such as:
Irish version:
Cuir cos a ‘ phíce
le barr do spáige:
Tomhais as sin
Go dtí do bhásta;
Tabhair truslóg ar aghaidh
A’s téana sáthadh;
Léim ar gcúl
Agus bí ar gharda
English Translation:
Put the shaft of the pike
at the top of your shoe:
Then a measure from there
to your waist do:
Give a thrust forward once more:
And be on your guard
As you were before.
The Blunderbuss
The Blunderbuss was well suited to close-range confrontations. Its wide muzzle helped intimidate an opponent and its charge of numerous lead balls gave its owner a better chance of hitting the target.
Blunderbusses were often fitted with spring bayonets for additional protection. On releasing the catch, the bayonet would flip forward and lock in position. Pistol butts could be used as clubs.
The Flintlock
Flintlock is a general term for any firearm that uses a flint-striking ignition mechanism, the first of which appeared in Western Europe in the early 16th century. The term may also apply to a particular form of the mechanism itself, also known as the true flintlock, that was introduced in the early 17th century, and gradually replaced earlier firearm-ignition technologies, such as the matchlock, the wheellock, and the earlier flintlock mechanisms such as the snaplock and snaphaunce.
The true flintlock continued to be in common use for over two centuries, replaced by percussion cap and, later, the cartridge-based systems in the early-to-mid 19th century.
Grapeshot
A grapeshot was not one solid element, but a mass of small metal balls or slugs packed tightly into a canvas bag. It was used both in land and naval warfare. When assembled, the balls resembled a cluster of grapes, hence the name. On firing, the balls spread out from the muzzle, giving an effect similar to a giant shotgun.
Grapeshot was devastatingly effective against massed infantry at short range.
The Cannon
Cannons would fire solid shot to attack enemy artillery and troops at longer range, then switch to grapeshot when they or nearby troops were charged.
Farm Implements
While the pike was very common and became the symbol of the United Irish rebels of 1798, many combatants had to make use of whatever weapons they could fashion. As an account of the Battle of Oulart recalls, ‘The Rebel force numbered between 1,000 and 1,500 men of sundry arms. Some fifty men had guns. For the most part the men were armed with pikes and farm implements such as pitchforks and scythes. It is thought that the heel of the scythe was straightened and the blade then fastened to a straight handle to provide an elongated and less unwieldy weapon.’
Cavalry Sword
Used by the Crown Forces cavalty, this sword was mostly for show and used as the last weapon of defense.
The Musket
The flintlock musket was the main weapon for European armies between the 1660s and 1840s. For military purposes the musket was loaded with a ball or a mixture of ball with several. It had a large shot (called a buck or ball) loaded with black powder (gunpowder) into the muzzle. A seasoned soldier of the Crown Forces would reload the musket 3 to 4 times per minute. It was accurate enough to hit a human-sized target at 75–90m.
The Bayonet
Because of how heavy muskets were, their use in close combat was limited. This led to the rise of the bayonet. Attributed to Bayonne, France, the bayonet was likely a knife, simply shoved into the barrel of a musket. Early bayonets plugged into the musket barrel, but by the 18th century, the end hoop of the bayonet fitted over the barrel, leaving it free to fire.
Timeline of 1798
1798 was a year of unrest, bloody rebellion, guerrilla warfare, massacre and execution, inspired by the Republican spirit racing through Europe and the Americas.
Leaders of 1798
Leaders in the Crown Forces and within the United Irishman were key to the success and losses in 1798. Here, we look in depth a a few of those who made history.
Flags of 1798
Both sides used flags to act as a rallying point for members of the Battalions and Regiments. Flags used in Battle were of a large size and would take great strength to keep them constantly raised.
1798 Ballads & Poems
Though many were not written until the second half of the 19th century, the 1798 rebellion inspired some of our most popular ballads, poems and songs.
Experience
the Rebellion
Come face-to-face with the key figures of the Rebellion, immerse yourself in the bloody Battle of Vinegar Hill, discover the power of weapons from the period and learn, in gruesome detail, how some 20,000 insurgents faced the might of 10,000 well-trained and well-armed Crown Forces.