The history of Ireland can be divided into several periods and each has an interesting story to tell. The land has emerged from bloody strife and today it is one of the most peaceful countries of the world.
The Early Period
Ireland was inhabited first by the various tribes mainly the Nemedians, Fomorians, Firbolgs, and Tuatha De Danann. These tribes were eventually subdued by Milesians (Scots). These expeditions continued and extended to the coast of Gaul. Christianity had been previously introduced in some parts of Ireland but Patrick faced great obstacles. The new faith was finally established in the island a century after his death.The Vikings established settlements on the east coast of Ireland and conducted raids in the interior until their signal overthrow at the Battle of Clontarf, near Dublin, in 1014, by the king Brian Boru.
The Anglo-Norman Period
The first step toward an Anglo-Norman conquest of Ireland was made by King Henry II of England. During the 13th century various Anglo-Norman adventurers succeeded in firmly establishing themselves in Ireland. The Fitzgerald clan acquired power in Kildare and East Munster; the Le Botiller, or Butler, in West Munster; and the de Burgh in Connaught.
The Period of English Supremacy
The participation of the Anglo-Norman nobility from the coastal Pale in the War of the Roses greatly impaired English strength in Ireland. When Henry VII became king of England, he left Gerald Fitzgerald, 8th earl of Kildare as viceroy of Ireland. The nobility was forbidden to oppress the inferior baronage.
Increasing Religious Turmoil
The religious changes under King Edward VI and Queen Mary I had little effect on Ireland. She began the trend of colonization of Ireland by the English settlers. Under Elizabeth and James I the power of the Anglican state church was extended over Ireland. The hope of independence was destroyed by the creation of 40 boroughs out of small hamlets.
Ireland from 1650 to 1700
In 1649 the English soldier and statesman Oliver Cromwell landed at Dublin. Cromwell's successors, the English soldiers and regicides Henry Ireton and Edmund Ludlow successfully concluded the war.
Revolutionary Influences
The principles of the French Revolution found an extremely powerful expression in Ireland in the Society of United Irishmen, which organized the rebellion of 1798.
Authentic online information on history of Ireland is offered only at travel.mapsofworld.
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