Forty-eight vessels carrying about 15,000 troops sailed on 15 December and reached the Irish coast on 30 December. Winter conditions in the Irish Sea sharply constrained landing and fleet operations. Weather disrupted awareness so thoroughly that a stronger British force passed the French without either side creating an effective engagement. The French returned without landing, while illness and other difficulties led the Newcastle diversion to abandon its own attempt. The failed main effort shows why seasonal feasibility belongs at the center of amphibious planning.
Notable Point · 16:01-19:24
Winter weather defeats the Bantry Bay expedition
The main French expedition reaches Ireland in late December but cannot convert its voyage into a landing, exposing the seasonal risk built into Hoche's plan.