In front, near the edge of the morass, were some fences out of which a breastwork was without difficulty constructed.
On the eleventh of July, Ginkell, having repaired the fortifications of Athlone and left a garrison there, fixed his headquarters at Ballinasloe, about four miles from Aghrim, and rode forward to take a view of the Irish position.

On his return he gave orders that ammunition should be served out, that every musket and bayonet should be got ready for action, and that early on the morrow every man should be under arms without beat of drum.

Two regiments were to remain in charge of the camp; the rest, unincumbered by baggage, were to march against the enemy.
Soon after six, the next morning, the English were on the way to Aghrim.
But some delay was occasioned by a thick fog which hung till noon over the moist valley of the Suck; a further delay was caused by the necessity of dislodging the Irish from some outposts; and the afternoon was far advanced when the two armies at length confronted each other with nothing but the bog and the breastwork between them.

The English and their allies were under twenty thousand; the Irish above twenty-five thousand.
Ginkell held a short consultation with his principal officers.

Should he attack instantly, or wait till the next morning?
Mackay was for attacking instantly; and his opinion prevailed.