FAQ · History 36

The prehistory of Ireland begins with evidence of permanent human residence around 10,500 BC and ends around 400 AD. This period includes the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age societies. Unlike much of Europe, Ireland's historical record starts later because it was not invaded by the Romans. Instead, the historical record begins with the arrival of Christianity. Significant remains include Neolithic megalithic tombs and gold jewellery from the Bronze Age.

Yes, there is an ancient university located in Ireland. The University of Dublin is one of the seven surviving British and Irish medieval and early modern universities founded before 1600 AD. These institutions are considered among the oldest extant universities in the world. They are spread across England, Scotland, and Ireland. This makes the University of Dublin a significant part of the historical academic landscape in the region.

During the early medieval period, also known as Early Christian Ireland, the population was entirely rural and dispersed. People lived in small ringforts, which served as the largest centres of human occupation. These farm enclosures often featured souterrains, which were underground passages used for hiding or escaping. While the economy was almost entirely agricultural, raiding Great Britain for loot provided an important boost. Cereal farming became increasingly important during this time, with barley and oats being key crops. Additionally, cattle were greatly prized and required constant protection from raiding.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was established by the Acts of Union in 1801. This act united the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland into one unitary and sovereign state. This specific form of the state continued until 1922. At that time, the Irish Free State gained independence. The remaining part of the union continued as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Some unionists have argued that the British government treated Northern Ireland as something more akin to a colonial problem rather than a domestic one. This perspective arose because successive British governments were seen as having a divided view on the region's place in the United Kingdom. During periods of tension, the deployment of troops gave the impression of a peacekeeping operation similar to those in Imperial India or Mandated Palestine. This fueled a republican narrative that the conflict was a struggle for liberation. Consequently, some viewed the situation as a process of decolonisation being forced upon Britain's first and last colony.

After the War of Independence, most of Ireland became the Irish Free State, which later became the Republic of Ireland. The remaining six counties stayed in the Union as Northern Ireland, creating a partition between the two regions. This division caused significant economic divergence between the North and the South. For example, the border area suffered as rail networks struggled to operate across the two different economic areas. While the Republic was politically independent, its economy remained closely linked to the British pound until 1979.

The 19th century began with the merger of the Kingdom of Ireland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on 1 January 1801. Politically, the delay of Roman Catholic Emancipation meant the combined parliament at Westminster was chiefly represented by the Anglo-Irish and Ulster Scots. Economically, Ireland provided raw materials like timber, beef, and vegetables to the more industrialised British economy. While there were booms during the Napoleonic Wars, the century also saw severe downturns and famines. The Great Famine of 1845–1852 was the worst, resulting in one million deaths and another million emigrating.

During World War I, Ireland was part of the United Kingdom and many Irishmen served in the British forces. Over 200,000 men from Ireland fought in the war, resulting in many deaths across several theatres. Following the war, Irish republicans declared independence, leading to the Irish War of Independence and a subsequent Civil War. By the time World War II occurred, what later became the Republic of Ireland was officially neutral and independent. Despite this neutrality, over 80,000 Irish-born men and women joined the British armed forces during the second conflict.

During World War II, what later became the Republic of Ireland was officially neutral and independent from the UK. Despite this official neutrality, many people still participated in the conflict. Over 80,000 Irish-born men and women from both the north and south joined the British armed forces. Between 5,000 and 10,000 of these individuals were killed during the war. This shows that the experience of the war remained complex for the Irish people.

During the Cold War, Ireland maintained a policy of military neutrality and did not officially align with NATO or the Warsaw Pact. The country refused to join NATO due to a sovereignty dispute with the United Kingdom regarding Northern Ireland. Despite this official neutrality, the Irish government engaged in secret information transmissions to the CIA starting in 1955. Additionally, a secret agreement with the UK allowed the Royal Air Force to intercept unidentified aircraft in Irish airspace. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, authorities also searched aircraft stopping at Shannon for warlike material.

The Constitution of Ireland is the fundamental law of the country and asserts the national sovereignty of the Irish people. It guarantees certain fundamental rights and establishes a separation of powers along with judicial review. The system includes a bicameral parliament and a popularly elected non-executive president. This document came into force on 29 December 1937 following a statewide plebiscite. Any amendments to the Constitution may be made solely by a national referendum.

During World War I, Ireland was part of the United Kingdom and many Irish people supported the war effort. Over 200,000 men from Ireland fought in several theatres, with many serving in British forces. This period was complex as it coincided with Ireland's revolutionary era and led to the War of Independence and a Civil War. During World War II, the Republic of Ireland remained officially neutral and independent. Despite this neutrality, over 80,000 Irish-born men and women joined the British armed forces. Between 5,000 and 10,000 of these individuals were killed during the conflict.

The division of territorial waters between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland was a matter of controversy from the beginning. While the Government of Ireland Act 1920 did not explicitly address the position of territorial waters, it did limit law-making competence regarding lighthouses, buoys, or beacons. The status of these waters became more significant when the territory of Southern Ireland became the Irish Free State. A 1988 treaty now demarcates the boundary of the exclusive economic zones across the continental shelf. This area extends from the south Irish Sea southwest to the Celtic Sea.

Historical studies provide various perspectives on movement and changes within Ireland. Some research explores the genealogy of famine migration through historical fiction and memory. Other works examine the relationship between the famine in Ireland and Ukraine. Scholars also look at how history and memory shape the understanding of modern Ireland. These academic resources offer deep insights into how past migrations are represented.

The proportion of people identifying as Protestant in Northern Ireland has fallen from 60% in the 1960s to 48%. Meanwhile, those raised Catholic have increased from 35% to 45%. While the combined unionist vote has reached a new low of just over 43%, there has not been a comparable increase in the nationalist vote. Surveys suggest that half of the people in Northern Ireland consider themselves neither unionist nor nationalist. Those who avoid these labels tend to be younger and less likely to participate in elections. Additionally, some voters choose parties like the Alliance Party that do not make the constitutional status of Northern Ireland a primary issue.

The leader of the opposition is the politician who leads the largest party in the parliamentary opposition in Dáil Éireann. This role is not an official position recognized in the Irish constitution or legislation. By convention, the leader is the head of the largest political party not currently in government. Historically, this position has often alternated between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. As of 2025, the leader of the opposition is Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Féin. She is the first female Irish opposition leader.

The Three Collas, known as Colla Menn, Colla Da Crioch, and Colla Uais, were the sons of Eocaidh Doimlén. According to myth, they are the ancestors of the Airgíalla people. They were instructed by the High King Muiredach Tirech to conquer land to pass on to their descendants. After fighting seven battles against the Ulaid, they successfully took possession of central Ulaid. This conquest established the over-kingdom of Airgíalla across several modern counties. Their story was famously recorded by Geoffrey Keating in the 17th century.

Early efforts included support for the Women's Disabilities (Removal) Bill which aimed to give women access to the polls on the same terms as men. In Belfast, the municipal franchise was secured to confer the rate-payer vote on persons rather than just men. Efforts were also made to ensure women ratepayers could stand as Poor Law Guardians under the same conditions as men. In 1895, a suffrage bill was introduced to grant local and national franchise rights to any person in Ireland regardless of sex or marital status. While Belfast saw progress in municipal voting, Dublin faced challenges in extending similar franchise rights to its women.

Following the abolition of slavery in the British and French Caribbean in 1841, there was an abundant immigration of Afro-Caribbeans. These immigrants settled mainly in and around Bluefields and merged with descendants of slaves who had not been evacuated in 1786. This group gave origin to the Miskito Coast Creoles. Due to their greater knowledge of English, the Creoles became the most sought-after workers by foreign companies. They occupied intermediate levels in businesses while the native Miskitu were relegated to the worst paid occupations at the base.

The first industrial school was established by Lady Louisa Conolly in Celbridge, County Kildare, focusing on trade skills like woodwork and shoemaking. During the 1850s and 1860s, day schools and orphanages were founded due to growing concerns for vulnerable children. A government-aided system was officially introduced through the Industrial Schools (Ireland) Act 1868. This specific legislation ensured that Protestant and Catholic children were placed in different schools to prevent proselytising. Prior to this, many destitute children lived in workhouses or on the streets, though some were accommodated by Ragged Schools.

The 1798 rebellion led to significant political changes in the following year. As a direct result of this event, the British and Irish parliaments passed the Acts of Union in 1800. These Acts merged the Kingdom of Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain together. This merger created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, which took effect on 1 January 1801. Historical analysis suggests the passage of this Act in the Irish Parliament was achieved through substantial majorities and a considerable degree of bribery.

Ireland was not invited to join the United Nations when it was first formed in 1945. Both Washington and London opposed its membership due to Ireland's neutrality during the war. Although Ireland applied in 1946 and received approval from the US and UK, the Soviet Union used a veto to block it. Ireland was finally admitted to the United Nations in 1955. This history reflects the country's longstanding policy of military neutrality.

Relations with the Workers' Party of Korea developed through various visits to North Korea during the 1980s. Party members met with officials such as Kim Yong-nam and Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang. The relationship focused on opposition to imperialism, national partition, and support for Korean reunification and nuclear disarmament. Some party members attended international conferences on denuclearisation and peace on the Korean peninsula. While some members expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment of citizens, others rejected proposals to sever relations.

Relations between the Workers' Party of Ireland and the Workers' Party of Korea developed through various visits during the 1980s. Party members met with North Korean leaders such as Kim Il Sung and Kim Yong-nam in Pyongyang. Both parties viewed their relationship through the lens of opposition to imperialism and the experience of national partition. This connection included support for Korean reunification and nuclear disarmament on the peninsula. However, there was also internal criticism regarding the treatment of citizens in North Korea. Some party members even proposed severing relations with the state in 1990.

Ireland Reaching Out is a volunteer-led, community-based national programme designed to connect the Irish diaspora to their ancestral roots. This initiative was founded in 2009 by Feerick with the goal of fostering these connections. The idea was pitched to the Irish government in 2010 by Feerick and economist David McWilliams. The programme welcomed its very first returning group in July 2011. It serves as a way to engage people of Irish descent living abroad.

There are two World Heritage Sites located on the island. These include the Brú na Bóinne complex and the Giant's Causeway. Several other locations are currently on the tentative list for potential heritage status. Examples of these include the Burren, the Ceide Fields, and Mount Stewart. These sites represent the recognized heritage within the country.

The Irish calendar uses the Gregorian system but incorporates Irish cultural festivals and traditional views of the seasons. While the Astronomical Calendar is most commonly used, Meteorological Timing is also utilized by organizations like Met Éireann. In the Irish language, month names often refer to Celtic religion and mythology, predating Christianity. For example, May, August, and November are named after Gaelic religious festivals. Other month names relate to the harvest or Christian traditions, such as December referring to the birth of Christ.

The Irish slaves myth is a fringe pseudohistorical narrative that conflates indentured servitude with hereditary chattel slavery. This false equivalence is often used to minimize the historical effects of slavery on the African diaspora. Historians note that applying the term slave to Irish indentured servants in early Barbados is misleading or erroneous. The myth frequently uses conspiracy theories and incorrect historical dates to spread its claims. It has been condemned by academics and Irish historians for its inaccuracies.

The preservation of Irish folklore began with the founding of The Folklore of Ireland Society in 1927. This society published a journal called Béaloideas and encouraged people to send in manuscripts. Later, the Irish government established the Irish Folk Institute in 1930 and the Irish Folklore Commission in 1935 to better manage these efforts. Séamus Ó Duilearga led these organizations and insisted that collected oral traditions include the informant's name, age, and provenance. These efforts eventually led to the creation of the National Folklore Collection at University College Dublin.

In 2021, the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition recommended that a new Civic Flag for Northern Ireland should be adopted. This proposed flag would be flown at local district councils, the Northern Ireland Assembly, and buildings of the Northern Ireland Executive. The commission suggested the design should incorporate expressions of Irishness and Britishness while representing the community's diversity. In November 2024, the Executive Office stated that this report will be considered as part of a review of its community relations strategy. The proposal to replace the Ulster Banner has faced criticism from various politicians and activists.

The Nineteenth Amendment permitted the state to be bound by the British-Irish Agreement. This amendment enabled the establishment of shared political institutions between Ireland and Northern Ireland. It also provided a mechanism for further constitutional changes regarding Articles 2 and 3. These changes replaced the previous claim over the whole island of Ireland with an aspiration toward a united Ireland through peaceful means. This process required the consent of a majority of the people in both jurisdictions. The amendment was approved by referendum on 22 May 1998.

The Irish pork crisis of 2008 was a dioxin contamination incident involving pork products produced between September and early December of that year. Contaminated animal feed supplied by an Irish manufacturer caused pork to contain dioxin levels between 80 and 200 times the EU's recommended limit. This led to an international recall of Irish pork products across twenty-three different countries. While beef samples also showed high dioxin levels, authorities insisted there was no significant public health risk from beef. The incident affected pork supplies across at least three continents, including countries like the United States, China, and Japan. Some reports suggested it could take up to a decade for the Irish pork market to recover.

The pandemic significantly impacted both competitive and recreational sports in the Republic of Ireland. Following an announcement by the Taoiseach in March 2020, major organizations like the GAA, IRFU, and FAI suspended games for two weeks. While some sporting activity resumed in late June, new restrictions eventually forced events to take place behind closed doors again. During the second and third waves of the virus, Level 5 lockdown restrictions were reimposed nationally. This meant elite sports continued without spectators, while gyms, swimming pools, and various clubs were required to close.

The 2024 BetVictor Northern Ireland Open was a professional snooker tournament held from 20 to 27 October 2024. This event took place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Kyren Wilson won the tournament, claiming his first Northern Ireland Open title. The total prize fund for the competition was £550,400. This tournament served as the second of four events in the season's Home Nations Series.

The 2025 BetVictor Northern Ireland Open is a professional snooker tournament held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. This event takes place from 19 to 26 October 2025. It marks the 10th consecutive edition of the tournament since it began in 2016. The competition is part of the Home Nations Series for the 2025–26 snooker season. Fans can watch the tournament broadcast on TNT Sports in Ireland.

The 2026 BetVictor Northern Ireland Open is a professional snooker tournament scheduled for 2026. This event will take place from 18 to 25 October at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It marks the 11th consecutive edition of the tournament since it was first staged in 2016. The tournament is part of the 2026–27 snooker season and serves as the second of four tournaments in the Home Nations Series. The winner of this competition receives the Alex Higgins Trophy.