Its nickname was 'Blayney's Bloodhounds', so called because of their unerring certainty, and untiring perseverance in hunting down the Irish rebels in 1798, when the corps was commanded by Lord Blayney.
The regiment fought in the Peninsular War and was involved in the defeat at the Battle of Fuengirola of 1810 and in many battles in Iberia and America, distinguishing itself at The Battle of Crysler's Farm by defeating several US regiments.
The regiment amalgamated with the 87th Foot on 1 July, 1881, to form the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers.