Irish Patriots
The Irish in the American Revolution
A Forgotten Force in the Fight for Freedom
When we think of the American Revolution, names like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin come to mind. But behind the scenes—and often on the front lines—stood thousands of Irish immigrants and Irish-Americans who helped shape the outcome of the war and the future of a nation.
Driven by a shared desire for liberty and a deep resentment of British rule, the Irish brought with them not only manpower but also a fierce spirit of independence. Their contributions, though often overlooked, were vital to the American cause.
By the Numbers
The Irish presence in the American Revolution was more than symbolic—it was substantial. Historians estimate that up to 25% of the Continental Army was made up of Irish-born soldiers or those of Irish descent. At a time when the population of the American colonies was just over 2.5 million, this was a remarkable contribution from a single immigrant group.
Irish men served in every major theater of the war, from the snowy fields of Valley Forge to the swamps of the Carolinas. Their involvement wasn’t limited to the battlefield—many also played key roles in logistics, intelligence, and leadership.
Notable Irish Patriots
The American Revolution drew support from across the colonies—and across the Atlantic. Among the most influential contributors were Irish-born leaders and Irish-Americans whose courage and leadership left a lasting mark on the fight for independence.
🇮🇪 Commodore John Barry
Born in County Wexford, Barry is often hailed as the Father of the American Navy. He commanded the first U.S. warship commissioned by Congress and led American naval forces to several key victories. His legacy lives on in the U.S. Navy, which still honors him today.
🇮🇪 General Richard Montgomery
A native of Dublin, Montgomery served in the British Army before joining the American cause. He led the 1775 invasion of Canada and died heroically in the Battle of Quebec. His death made him one of the Revolution’s earliest martyrs and a symbol of transatlantic solidarity.
🇮🇪 Dr. James McHenry
Born in Ballymena, McHenry was a physician and trusted aide to George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. He later served as Secretary of War under Presidents Washington and Adams. Fort McHenry—where the Star-Spangled Banner was born—bears his name.
🇮🇪 Gustavus Conyngham
From County Donegal, Conyngham was a daring privateer who captured or sank over 80 British ships. Nicknamed the “Dunkirk Pirate,” he was so effective that King George III reportedly wished to see him hanged.
🇮🇪 Stephen Moylan
Born in County Cork, Moylan was a close associate of George Washington and served as Quartermaster General of the Continental Army. He also led one of the first cavalry units in the war and was a vocal advocate for Irish-American patriotism.
🇮🇪 John Fitzgerald
An Irish immigrant and successful merchant in Virginia, Fitzgerald served as an aide-de-camp to George Washington. He later became mayor of Alexandria and helped raise funds for the construction of the first Catholic church in the city.
🇮🇪 Hercules Mulligan
Born in Ireland and raised in New York, Mulligan was a tailor by trade and a spy by necessity. As a member of the Sons of Liberty and a close associate of Alexander Hamilton, he used his shop to gather intelligence from British officers—saving George Washington’s life on more than one occasion.
🇮🇪 Major General John Sullivan
The son of Irish immigrants from County Kerry, Sullivan became one of Washington’s most trusted generals. He led several key campaigns, including the Sullivan Expedition against British-allied Iroquois forces, and later served as Governor of New Hampshire.
🇮🇪 Thomas Burke
Born in Galway, Burke emigrated to Virginia and became a prominent lawyer and politician. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and later as Governor of North Carolina. Captured by the British during the war, he remained a steadfast supporter of independence.
🇮🇪 Edward Hand
Born in County King’s (now Offaly), Hand was a physician and soldier who served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army. He fought in several major battles and later became Adjutant General of the Army.
🇮🇪 Mathew Carey
Though he arrived in America just after the war, Carey was a Dublin-born publisher who played a key role in shaping post-Revolutionary American political thought. He published works supporting the new republic and was a strong advocate for Irish-American unity.
Why They Fought
For many Irish immigrants and Irish-Americans, the American Revolution was more than a colonial rebellion—it was a deeply personal struggle. Having experienced British rule firsthand, many Irish saw the fight for American independence as a continuation of their own centuries-long resistance to oppression.
Some were driven by political ideals: the promise of liberty, representation, and self-governance. Others were motivated by practical hopes—land ownership, economic opportunity, and a fresh start in a new world. And for many, it was a chance to stand against the same empire that had long dominated their homeland.
The parallels between the American and Irish struggles for freedom were not lost on these patriots. Their participation in the Revolution was not only an act of loyalty to their new home, but also a declaration of enduring Irish resilience.
Legacy and Impact
The contributions of Irish patriots to the American Revolution didn’t end with the war—they helped shape the very fabric of the new nation. From military leadership to political service, Irish-Americans played a vital role in building the United States.
Their legacy is visible in:
Place names like Fort McHenry and Barry Township.
Military traditions that trace back to Irish-led units.
Cultural pride that helped forge a strong Irish-American identity.
The Revolution also strengthened ties between Ireland and America. Irish immigrants continued to arrive in large numbers throughout the 19th century, inspired by the promise of liberty and opportunity that their predecessors had fought to secure.
Today, the story of the Irish in the American Revolution is a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom was a global effort—and that the American identity has always been shaped by immigrants who believed in its ideals.