Spanish Armada in Ireland and the Antrim coast which appear on the reverse side of sterling banknotes issued by the First Trust Bank in Northern Ireland. The final published novel of Anthony Burgess, "", features a protagonist who is specifically stated to be descended from Spanish survivors who remained in Ireland. Spanish Armada in Ireland The Spanish Armada in Ireland refers to the landfall made upon the coast of Ireland in September 1588 of a large portion of the 130-strong fleet sent by Philip II to invade England. Following its defeat at the naval battle of Gravelines the Armada had attempted to return home
2nd Spanish Armada Channel and as result Brest, Ireland and England had been spared a major assault. At first the damage appeared to be minimal and Philip hoped that once the Adelantado had reassembled the ships, he could continue his voyage but as time passed the enormity of the disaster became apparent. Losses to the Armada at El Ferrol were significant; there was general confusion and sadness at the disaster. In mid-November the nuncio sent a sorrowful summary of the facts: thirty vessels were missing, thirteen had crashed into the reefs and there were many dead from the Portuguese upper class. Eighteen of