An Overview of Irish History
From the stone age, though the coming of Christianity, successive occupations and war, the effects of Irish history are strong in modern Ireland. Visible traces of history are everywhere, but it also informs much current politics and thinking. These articles try to show how the past is very much a part of the present in Today's Ireland.
Click on the links or images for more detailed articles about any period of Irish History.
The Beginning (9000BC - 2000BC)
About 9000 years ago stone age hunter-gatherers arrived in Ireland, followed by early farmers who settled close to rivers and shores and eventually moved inland. They developed extraordinary skills in building stone structures, many of which survive, and in working with bronze and later gold. More >>
The Celts (2000BC - 400AD)
The Celts arrived from Europe bringing better farming methods and starting a culture of art and storytelling that would last for centuries. They were pagan and celebrated calendar dates that are still important in today's Ireland. They also brought their language, from which the Irish language developed. More >>
The Coming of Christianity (400 - 800)
St Patrick may not have been first, but Christian monks arrived in the 5th century, incorporating older traditions to create a distinctive Celtic Christianity. Ireland was influential in Europe, keeping culture alive after the fall of the Roman Empire. Monasteries and churches were established, and great works of religious art created. More >>
Viking Ireland (800 - 1100)
From 795AD, Ireland was ruled by Viking invaders. They were ferocious, overthrowing Irish Chieftains and ransacking monasteries, but brought knowledge of ship building and trading and introduced coinage. The first High King, Brian Boru, defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014AD, and was killed by them in the process. More >>
The Norman Invasion (1100 - 1500)
In 1170 Ireland was again invaded, by the Normans who ruled England at the time. They built great castles and fortresses and came to an uneasy peace with native clans and chieftains, eventually becoming "more Irish than the Irish themselves". This lead to ongoing conflict with England as it passed from Norman into Tudor hands. More >>
The English Gain Control (1500 - 1700)
Elizabeth I determined to wrest control from the Norman-Irish and by 1603 Ireland was under direct rule for the first time. Ireland remained Catholic, leading to conflict after William of Orange defeated Catholic King James. Penal Laws deprived the native Irish of rights: religious practice, education and land ownership were forbidden.
Fighting for Survival (1700-1820)
For several hundred years the Irish would revolt periodically against direct rule and crippling legal sanctions, with several of the revolts led by the Anglo-Irish Protestant ruling class, who were not always very close to their English masters. The Catholic Faith persisted, with masses said in secret in houses and outdoors.
The Famine (1820 - 1900)
The native Irish as tenant farmers depended on potatoes as their stable diet. When the crops failed in the 1840's there ensued almost a decade of dreadful famine; millions died and millions more emigrated, mainly to America. The lack of effective help from England during this time drove and invigorated efforts for Irish independence.
A New Nation (1900 - 1930)
At Easter in 1916 an uprising in Dublin was quickly put down by the English, but the execution of its leaders created martyrs and led to increased support for what had been a minority action. An eventual agreement creating an Irish Free State excluded six counties of Ulster. Ireland became an independent republic in 1949.
20th Century Blues (1930 - 1990)
For the middle part of the 20th century Ireland was a poor and backward country, isolated from Europe and with emigration continuing apace. The position of Northern Ireland remained contentious and finally erupted in the late 1960's with the start of "the troubles", which would dominate Irish Politics for more than 30 years.
Modern Ireland (1990 - 2007)
Major change began in 1973 with membership of the EEC- now the EU.. After a slow start Ireland grew fast, into the most rapidly developing economy in Europe. The "Celtic Tiger" was born, the economy boomed, property prices soared and Ireland became a destination for immigrants.
The Future (2007 - ?)
With growth comes challenges. Increasing urbanisation, a transport infrastructure unequal to its task, growing environmental problems and a public that demands higher standards of public service are all issues that Ireland faces in the immediate future. More >>
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