The first Irish people, who probably arrived from Scotland about 9000 years ago, were hunter gatherers, constantly on the move in search of food.
Pre-christian Ireland had a complex and well ordered social structure, and have left us a legacy that has persisted for centuries. But was it Celtic …
The coming of Christianity brought not just faith but the important skills of reading and writing, until now unavailable to the Celts.
The Vikings held sway in Ireland from 795 AD until defeated by Brian Boru at the battle of Clontarf in 1014.
In 1170 Ireland was again invaded, by the Normans, led by Strongbow, beginning a period of almost 800 years of occupation.