The United Irishmen rebels suffer a major defeat at the Battle of Vinegar Hill, a pivotal engagement during the 1798 Rebellion. Despite being surrounded by government forces, two rebel columns manage to escape the encirclement: - The southern column retreats and camps at Sleedagh Demesne. - The northern column moves toward Peppard’s Castle.
Following the battle, Wexford town is re-taken by British forces, effectively ending organized resistance in the region—though rebel activity continues elsewhere in Ireland for weeks.