the motto of the regiment is "faugh a ballagh" (modern irish: "fág an bealach"), derived from the irish gaelic phrase for "clear the way". this originates from the peninsular war when ensign edward keogh of the 87th regiment of foot let out the cry while capturing a french imperial eagle at the battle of barrosa. the regimental headquarters of the royal irish regiment has been palace barracks, holywood in county down, northern ireland since moving there in 2008.