Europe
Global
United States
Norfolk Island
Ireland's history
Ireland's history is a romantic blend of legend and fact that has left its mark on the character of the Irish people and the lands across the shores where they've settled. Celtic warriors claimed Ireland around 300BC and divided the country into fiefdoms. St Patrick led Christian monks in converting Ireland to Catholicism and banished snakes from the island? Vikings found rich pickings in the monasteries which they routinely plundered for several centuries until the arrival of Anglo-Norman invaders in 1169. Elizabeth I pacified Ireland by encouraging Protestant settlement which cemented Ireland to Britain. Between 1845-51 potato crops spectacularly failed causing famine and the mass migration of Irish to America and throughout the British Empire. Calls for Home Rule turned to shouts and in 1916 the Easter Uprising in Dublin marked the beginning of the end of British rule in Ireland which came in 1921 with the partition of the island.
Our Pick
The soul of Ireland has been captured in the spectacular 9th Century Book of Kells, the star attraction at Dublin’s Trinity College library and truly astounding gem from a lost world worth the visit. 
Right Now
Ireland remained neutral in WWII and during the following years the economy stagnated. In 1973 Ireland became an enthusiastic member of the European Community and adopted the Euro in 2002. For several years Ireland has enjoyed enviable growth however like the rest of Europe growth has now stalled. Although a small country Ireland is and always has been a cultural giant. In terms of literature, performing arts, theatre, cinema and music Ireland makes a contribution way beyond its size. Sinead O'Connor, Enya, U2, Westlife and The Cranberries are all current Irish stars still shining. Ireland is an adorable tourist beacon especially for foreigners with Irish ancestry. Brian Cowen faces electoral oblivion in Ireland's tumultuous election coming soon.
