Our History

From their beginnings in 1793, the regiments that would become the Royal Irish Fusiliers built a proud and lasting legacy. Explore their story below.

The Raising of a Regiment

Collage of historical documents, medals, a military badge, a painting of two soldiers fighting, a bookshelf, and the title 'The Raising of a Regiment' in green text.
Information panel about The Royal Irish Fusiliers, describing their history and motto, with a person dressed as a historical soldier in uniform, holding a pointer, standing next to a framed document on a stone wall, and a green flag with a crest and the phrase "Faugh A Ballagh" at the bottom.
Historical illustration depicting soldiers in battle during the Peninsular War, with a focus on the French capture of the eagle at Barrosa on March 8, 1811, featuring soldiers in 19th-century military uniforms in a wooded landscape.
A historical presentation slide titled "The Crimean War 1854—1856" describes the origins and impacts of the war, mentioning its religious roots, cholera casualties, and the role of wives traveling with the British Army, along with a black and white photograph of a person sitting on a media cart labeled "Photograph Van."
A historical display about the Armagh Militia regiment, including a photograph of two men holding a banner and an image of a vintage pistol, with informational text.
Text-based historical overview of Egypt and Sudan, mentioning the 1st Battalion's participation in various wars and military duties from 1882 to the late 1800s.
Historical black and white photograph showing soldiers and war survivors, with text about the Royal Irish Fusiliers' first Battle at Talana Hill and its aftermath.
Historical image and text about the Battle of Barrosa on March 5, 1811, during the Napoleonic War, featuring a soldier in uniform.
Illustration of two soldiers in historical military uniforms combatting with bayonets and swords. One wears a red coat and the other a navy blue coat. There is also a gold eagle statue. Text explains the history of a gold leaf from an original wreath and its significance to Barrosa Day celebrated on March 5th.
Historical photo of wounded soldiers during the Battle of Sebastopol in winter, with a medal of Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting the harsh conditions faced by British soldiers in the trenches.
Historical military display featuring the Cavan and Monaghan Militia Regiments, with informational text and regimental flags.
Presentation slide about the Boer War (1899-1902) with a black background, white and green text, a black and white photo of Boer soldiers, and a color photo of two medals.
Black and white photo of a store with a sign that reads "LADYSMITH" and people standing outside, with a handwritten label saying "Lady smith Station."
Black and white photo of a store with a sign that reads "LADYSMITH" and people standing outside, with a handwritten label saying "Lady smith Station."