James FitzMaurice FitzGerald Flees Ireland
Following the battle of Affane in 1565, Elizabeth I of England admonished her cousin, the Protestant Earl of Ormond, Tom Dubh (Black Tom) Butler and…
History
The Battle of Farsetmore in 1567
In 1565, Shane an Diomas (the proud) O’Neill was the virtual ruler of all Ulster. There the English had retreated to Carrickfergus and Newry. Shane had…
The Battle of Affane (1565)
In 1564, the peace of Queen Elizabeth II was thrown into chaos in the south as two of the most influential of the Old English…
Shane “The Proud” O’Neill
In 1542, the most powerful Gaelic leader in Ulster, Conn Bacach O’Neill, the Lord of Tír Eóghain had submitted to Queen Elisabeth I of England…
The Tudor Plantations in Ireland
From 1541, with Henry VIII, supported by the Irish parliament, claimed kingship over all of Ireland and introduced the Crown of Ireland Act of 1542. Many of the…
Introduction of the Crown of Ireland Act 1542
16th Century Ireland saw the introduction of the Crown of Ireland Act 1542 and during the reign of Henry VIII, the Catholic Church, and the…
The 16th Century Period In Ireland
The 16th century was a time of significant change and upheaval in Ireland. During this period, the island was ruled by a series of English…
The Gallowglasses Arrive From Scotland
From the earliest times, there has always been a lot of movement between the people of Ireland and Scotland. Indeed, it is highly probable that…
Castles In Ireland
Ireland is famous for its castles with many in ruin across the Irish countryside and others restored back to its formal glory either as a…
Anglo-Normans Invade Ulaid
By the 12th century, the Kingdom of Uladh belonged to Irish dynasty that dominated the northern territories of Ireland but by 1177 they would be…
King Henry II of England Invades Ireland
As Richard de Clare (Strongbow) enjoyed life in Ireland, married into Irish Kingship and gaining land, King Henry II of England became unnerved that some of…
Invasion of Anglo-Normans
The invasion of Anglo-Normans in Ireland was a turning point in Irish history and is considered an important era. Although the conquest of the Normans…
The Battle of Clontarf
The Battle of Clontarf took place on Good Friday 1014 April 23rd, located near Dublin. The battle was between Brian Boru and the King of…
King Brian Boru of Ireland
Brian Boru was the last king of Ireland and is said to have been born around 940-950 in Thomond, now known as County Clare, to…
The Viking Settlement of Dublin
When the Vikings came to Ireland they mostly performed hit & run raids. There were no large towns or cities so their raids focused on…
History Of Vikings Invading Ireland
he Vikings first invaded Ireland in 795 AD. A small group of Norse warriors attacked a monastery on the east coast. They plundered the monastery…
Medieval Period in Ireland
The Medieval Period or Middle Ages occurred after the Golden Age Period in Ireland. People were already coming from all over Europe to study in…
Ray Church is Founded
Just outside Falcarragh village in the parish of Raymunterdoney, Donegal, the ruins of Ray church can be found. Located beside the River Ray the ruins…
Cooley Monastery & High Cross
Cooley monastery is located in a small field outside of Moville town in County Donegal. Its a site of important historical significance and what looks…
Monasteries In Ireland
In Ireland, there are monasteries dotted all over the island, some lay ruins and some still in use. When Christianity was first introduced into Ireland…
St Columba (Colmcille) of Iona
St Columba also is known as Colmcille was born on the 7th December 521 in Gartan, Ulster (in today’s County Donegal). His father, Phelim McFergus, was…
Saint Finnian of Clonard
Saint Finnian of Clonard, who also goes by,’Cluain Eraird’, or Finian, ‘Fionáin’. In Irish, he was one of the early monastic saints. He lived from around…
St Brendan The Navigator
St Brendan of Clonfert or in Irish; Naomh Breandán, is known as “the Navigator”, “the Voyager”, or “the Bold” and is one of the early Irish…
Saint Brigid of Ireland
St Brigid of Ireland, also known as St Brigid of Kildare, was born on 453 AD and died aged 70. St Brigid’s feast day is…