New publication details Armada survivor’s Sligo–Leitrim journey

A new joint publication by Ireland’s National Monuments Service and the Spanish Ministry of Culture has been released examining the experiences of Captain Francisco de Cuéllar, one of the most notable survivors of the 1588 Spanish Armada wrecks at Streedagh, Co Sligo.

The Letter from Captain Cuéllar – Shipwrecks of the Spanish Armada in Ireland includes a facsimile and English translation of Cuéllar’s 1589 letter describing his survival and his movements through Sligo and into north Leitrim after the loss of three Armada ships at Streedagh. More than 1,100 lives were lost when La Lavia, La Juliana and Santa Maria de Visón were wrecked during a severe storm.

The publication brings together contributions from Irish and Spanish researchers and updates archaeological findings from the Streedagh wreck sites, including material recovered from La Juliana during storm impacts in 2015.

Minister of State for Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan TD said the project illustrates the value of cooperation between Ireland and Spain in protecting underwater archaeology. Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Teresa Lizaranzu, highlighted the shared heritage represented in Cuéllar’s account.

Cuéllar’s letter remains a key historical source on conditions in the northwest of Ireland in the late 16th century. After the wreck, he travelled across Sligo and Leitrim, receiving refuge from local Gaelic lords before eventually securing passage from Derry to Scotland and onwards to the continent.

The publication is available from www.wordwellbooks.com

READ NEXT: Leitrim cast shines on one-act stage as Hoodwink claim All-Ireland finals
.