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
3rd Spanish Armada eleven ships bearing the flag of Castile hastening back home to Spain. The Spanish ships were too far ahead to be intercepted however so Carew joined Howard with the main fleet to give the news. These two reports meant that the invasion was effectively over; Howard and Raleigh sent the fleet back to Plymouth to report the news to Parliament and court. The only Spanish ship in the area left from the Armada; the 120 ton "Bear of Amsterdam" was still at Aberdyfi. After ten days because of a lack of wind the "Bear of Amsterdam" could not be boarded