TheJournal.ie Best Irish-Published Book of the Year

Shortlist 2024

1588, The Spanish Armada and the 24 Ships Lost on Ireland's Shores by Michael B. Barry

1588, The Spanish Armada and the 24 Ships Lost on Ireland’s Shores

By Michael B. Barry

The book includes new revelations about the Armada and the many ships wrecked in Ireland. Contrary to widespread belief, the Spanish Armada was not defeated: although it failed to invade England and suffered losses, over two-thirds of the fleet survived and sailed back to Spain.

The main losses were on Ireland’s jagged coasts where exceptionally severe storms wrecked 24 of the ships making their return journey. These coasts were also the nightmarish setting where most Armada survivors were put to death by a Tudor regime struggling to extend its control over the whole island.

Using a wealth of illustrations and specially prepared maps, Michael B. Barry brings to life the story of the Armada from start to finish, written in an accessible style. Using new information and fresh insights, it refutes the myths about this epoch-making period in history. If you want to gain a new perspective on the Spanish Armada, this is the book.

About Michael B. Barry...

Author and historian Michael B. Barry studied in Trinity College, Dublin. He has worked on transportation projects both in Ireland and around the world. With a strong interest in history and heritage, Michael has written many books, including a critically acclaimed series on the Irish Revolution. He was co-author of the bestseller, The Irish Civil War in Colour, which was shortlisted for an Irish Book Award. He has a particular knowledge of Spain and its history. His recent books on this topic include Homage to Al-Andalus, the Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain and Hispania, the Romans in Spain and Portugal. In May 2018 he was honoured with an award by the Irish Academy of Engineering ʿin recognition of a lifelong and outstanding contribution to engineering heritage in Ireland’.

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