54-007 Irish Sword An Anglicized form of the Gaelic "gallóglach", which translates to "foreign soldier", the Gallowglass were Irish mercenaries of Scots descent. During the 15th and 16th centuries, only the most ferocious warriors could become a Gallowglass. While well known for their use of the axe (sparth), they were also no stranger to such ring-hilted swords as this.

Inspired by the ring-hilted swords used by these fearsome Irish mercenaries, this two-handed broadsword features a turned hardwood handle with a massive circular pommel. The tempered high carbon steel blade measures 33 inches long. The polished brass plated pommel, handguard, and fittings are of solid steel and are a warm accent to the distinct hard lined design of the massive warriors blade. Two-toned Leather scabbard included.


The Gallowglass were the descendants of mixed Gaelic and Scandinavian forbears that is the Vikings who settled in the Hebrides from the 9th century onwards. The Norse settlers were the progenitors of the Lordship of the Isles. In 989 AD one of the Norse rulers was described in a Gaelic source as Ri Innse Gall, that is the King of the Hebrides, Innse Gall meaning the Isles of the Foreigners. This Gaelic/Norse Sea Kingdom was to stretch from the Isle of Lewis to the Isle of Man.

The native Irish Lords e.g. the O’Neills and the O’Donnells hired large numbers of these fighting men to assist them in their various campaigns. Initially based in Ulster the Gallowglass were to eventually settle throughout the four provinces. These mercenaries, warlike and eager to fight for the highest bidder, were feared throughout ireland, Scotland and England.

Contemporary English writers described the Gallowglass as: “Valiant and hardy, great endurers of cold, labour, and all hardness, very active and strong of hand, very swift of foot, picked and selected men of great and mighty bodies, men of great stature, of more than ordinary strength of limb, grim of countenance, tall of stature, burly of body, well and strong timbered”. Being well paid they apparently fed chiefly on beef, pork and butter.

A company or battle of Gallowglass consisted of from 80 to 100 men armed with spears, bows, axe and sword. By the end of the Tudor period the Gallowglass had become obsolete their medieval equipment and style of combat being totally unsuited to the needs and demands of late 16th century warfare.

Battle Ready Swords by Valiant Armoury
When you want more than just a wall hanger, Valiant Armoury is the first choice of discriminating collectors and re-enactors. Hand forged from tough high-carbon steel by the finest craftsman, these swords are built for use. Every details is painstakingly worked out to make Valiant Armoury swords the most rugged swords in their class. With each historically accurate design, Valiant goes the extra mile, individually crafting these guards and pommels from solid steel, unlike other sword makers who cast their fittings using a brittle zinc alloy. Most of these swords include a two-tone genuine leather scabbard. Wear your Valiant Armoury sword with pride knowing that from the beautiful exotic hardwood handle to the expertly tempered blade, the sword on your hip is more than a wall hanger.