Introduction to Irish History: The Gaelic Era & Primary Sources

Episode overview

 This ambitious project is setting out to tell the history and tales of Ireland in chronological order from the years 1169 to 1923. From the Norman conquest of Ireland, the defiant stand of Hugh O’Neill in the Nine Years War, through the fiery chaos of the 1641 Rebellion, and onto the monumental clashes of the Williamite War, we'll set the stage for an exploration into the heart of Ireland's quest for autonomy. 

Please join me as I embark on a journey through time, unraveling the intricate web of events leading up to the 1798 Rising, and shed light on the recurring '90s revolutions, before culminating with the Irish Civil War. Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to Ireland's vibrant past, this series promises to be an enlightening voyage. In this first episode, we will provide a bit of context for the Norman invasion, beginning with Gaelic Ireland and its societal structures. 

We then move into the pivotal era of early Christian ireland, detailing the arrival of Christianity and the rise of monasticism. This series will provide educational information on Irish History drawing on primary sources like the Irish Annals to illuminate this fascinating period.

The opening episode introduces the chronological series, the Gaelic world, early Christianity and the principal sources used to reconstruct medieval Irish history.

 

Topics covered

• The purpose and chronological structure of the series
• The Gaelic world before the Norman invasion
• Early Christianity in Ireland
• The primary sources used to reconstruct medieval history