History of Ireland

The history of Ireland begins between 8000 and 7000 BC, when the first humans inhabited Ireland. This was followed by a migration of Celtic-speaking people between 700 and 500 BC and Viking settlers in the ninth century AD. Until the fifteenth century Ireland was a patch-work of competing kingdoms and over-kingdoms. English involvement in Ireland began with the arrival of the Normans in the twelfth century, but England did not have full control until the whole island had been conquered in 1653.

Related Topics:
8000 - 7000 BC - Human - Ireland - Celtic-speaking - 700 - 500 BC - Viking - Ninth century AD - Fifteenth century - Normans - 1653

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Prior to 1801, Ireland enjoyed a self-governing status under the Parliament of Ireland, but was ruled by its Anglo-Irish, Anglican minority. In 1801 this parliament was abolished and Ireland became an integral part of a new United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland under the Act of Union. In 1922, after the War of Independence, the southern and western twenty-six counties of Ireland seceded from the United Kingdom and became the independent state known today as the 'Republic of Ireland'. The remainder of the island, known as 'Northern Ireland', remained part of the UK.

Related Topics:
Parliament of Ireland - Anglo-Irish - Anglican - 1801 - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland - Act of Union - 1922 - War of Independence - Republic of Ireland - Northern Ireland

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After independence in 1922, the Irish Free State suffered from economic difficulties and mass emigration for many decades. However since the 1990s the Republic has been enjoying economic success. Since its establishment the history of Northern Ireland has been dominated by sectarian conflict between Catholics and Protestants. This conflict erupted into the Troubles in the late 1960s.

Related Topics:
Irish Free State - Emigration - Catholic - Protestant - Troubles - 1960

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