It is estimated up to 200,000 Irishmen fought in the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865. Figures indicate 180,000 served in the Union army and 20,000 in the Confederate army. 30,000 Irishmen would die in this bitter conflict.

The numbers are staggering and outweigh the Irish involvement in either World Wars. This unique part of Irish history is rarely acknowledged. There are very few monuments or memorials in Ireland for these men and their stories which have been largely forgotten. Within those 200,000 men we have found links to almost 550 Offaly soldiers who fought on both sides of the conflict.

We are attempting to tell their stories.