History of Ireland

Battle of Clontarf - In 1014, the greatest battle of early Irish history. One of Brian Boru's last victories.

Saints and Scholars - An introduction to the history of Ireland, from the pagan Celtic age to the fifth century when St Patrick converted Ireland to Christianity.

The Normans - Invasion of Normans, Welshmen and Flemings in 1169 to colonise unconquered Ireland.

Flight of the Earls- Departure in 1607 of Irish Catholic aristocracy unwilling to accept sovereignty of English Queen.

Oliver Cromwell - The arrival of fanatical English Protestant Cromwell in 1649.

The Battle of the Boyne - William of Orange defeated King James II at the Boyne in 1690. The date is still commemorated throughout Northern Ireland today by marches, murals and graffiti.

Grattan's Parliament - Irish parliament which sat in Dublin from 1782-1800 and looked after economic and political interests of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy.

The 1798 Rebellion - The Society of United Irishmen was founded in Belfast in 1791.

Catholic Emancipation - Early nineteenth century campaign championed by Daniel O'Connell and members of parliament to end penal laws and legislative discrimination against Catholics.

The Great Famine - The famine began in 1845 and transformed Irish social history as millions of impoverished peasants starved or were forced to emigrate.

The Fenian Movement - In 1848, a small group of revolutionaries known as Young Ireland launched an ill-prepared uprising which was quickly quelled.

Home Rule - William Ewart Gladstone became British prime minister in 1868. "My mission is to pacify Ireland", he immediately affirmed.

Ulster Will Fight - Within Ireland, the strongest opposition to home rule came from the Protestants of Ulster. They formed a majority in the northern province, but a minority within the island. The 1641 rebellion had induced a siege mentality which was reinforced during the struggle between William of Orange and James II.

The Easter Rising - Easter is a significant time in Ireland, both for religious and political reasons. We present an account of the 1916 Rising, from A Little History of Ireland.

Independence - The principal beneficiary of the 1916 rising was Sinn Fein (Ourselves Alone), a political movement founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith.