Late antiquity and early medieval times

Prehistoric Ireland

The number of Irish language speakers in Ireland has risen dramatically since 2011. In 2016 there were just under 4,900 people living in County Clare alone who speak Irish. This represents a 49% increase in Irish speaking residents compared to 2001. In County Kerry, where there are around 5,500 Irish language speakers, the number rose by nearly 40%. In both counties, the majority of those who speak Irish live in urban areas. In County Clare, 78% of Irish speakers live in towns and cities, while in County Kerry it is 79%. However, in rural areas Irish speaking communities still exist. In County Clare, 23% of Irish speakers live outside of urban centres, while in County Kerry this figure stands at 25%. The growth of Gaelicisation has been attributed to several factors. One is the fact that many young people choose to learn Irish because it is seen as a way to preserve the culture. Another factor is the increasing popularity of Irish music among younger generations. Finally, the economic downturn in Ireland has had a positive effect on the number of Irish speakers. Many Irish speakers became unemployed during the recession, which forced them to seek work abroad. When they returned home, they brought their knowledge of Irish with them.

Norman and English invasions

Cork County is home to the biggest collection of Irish castles and gardens outside of Ireland. These include the world famous Blarney Castle, the ruins of the medieval city of Clonakilty, and the beautiful gardens of Ballymaloe House. There are over 1000km of beautiful beaches along the coastline. Many of the towns and villages boast stunning scenery and there are many great walking routes nearby. Inland there are plenty of things to do. You could take a trip to the Blarney Stone, visit the historic town of Kinsale, go fishing off the coast, or enjoy some golfing.

Emergence of Celtic Ireland

Gaelicisation

Gaelicisation

There are over 10,000 native Irish speakers living in County Kerry alone. In addition, there are more than 5,000 students attending Irish classes in County Cork. And according to the latest census figures, more than 4,900 people use the Irish language daily outside of the education system. The Irish Language Act 1998 states that Irish must be taught in primary schools in Ireland. However, it does not require secondary school teachers to teach Irish. This means that many students do not learn Irish during their secondary schooling. Despite this, the number of Irish speakers continues to grow. In fact, there are now more Irish speakers than English speakers in Ireland. In 2016, the Irish government launched a campaign called "Irish Is Now", encouraging everyone to learn the language.

The Kingdom of Ireland

Cork County is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Ireland. Located near the village of Skibbereen, it is believed to date back to around 3200 BC. This site is known as Loughscrohan Bog, and it is located within the Burren National Park. The bog is thought to contain the oldest evidence of human habitation found in Ireland. Archaeologists believe that people lived here during prehistoric times due to the presence of animal bones, tools and pottery fragments. These items have been dated back to around 3000 BC. There are many different ways to experience the area including walking, cycling, horseriding, fishing, golfing, and sailing. You could even go kayaking or canoeing. The county contains three UNESCO World heritage sites, making it a great location for families looking for adventure.

The Kingdom of Ireland
Ireland

Ireland

There are currently over 10,00 Irish language learners in County Kerry. This number will increase if plans to expand the Irish Language Teaching Programme (ILTP) are approved. There are currently around 9300 students studying Irish language in the Republic of Ireland. The ILTP is part of the National Strategy for Languages and provides support for teachers and learners of Irish. In 2017/18 there were 10,811 learners enrolled in the ILTP. The ILTP aims to provide opportunities for learners to develop their knowledge and skills in Irish and to encourage others to learn it too. Learners take classes either in school or online. They receive one hour of tuition per week, with the aim being to reach proficiency level 3 within three years. In 2018, the Government announced that it intends to extend the ILTP to include additional counties in the South West, North East and Midlands. These areas are home to large numbers of Irish speakers. If the proposals go ahead, the total number of Irish language learners in Ireland could rise to 20,000.

Prehistoric Ireland

Cork County is home to the second largest natural harbour in Europe. With over 1,000km of coastline, there are over 1,000km beaches around Cork City and it’s surrounding areas. This region is known as “Ireland’s Ancient East” due to the rich history dating back thousands of years. The county is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Ireland. In 2018 alone, tourism generated €1.5 billion for the local economy.

The Kingdom of Ireland
Emergence of Celtic Ireland

The Norman invasion of Ireland began in 1169, when William II invaded and conquered Dublin. In 1204, Henry III invaded and defeated the Normans at the Battle of Lincoln. This marked the end of the Anglo-Norman period and the start of the medieval era. In 1315, Edward I invaded and captured Waterford. He later returned it to the O'Brien family. In 1641, Oliver Cromwell invaded and took control of most of Ireland. His army destroyed much of what he could not take. In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded and occupied Ireland. He used Ireland as a staging ground for his campaign against England.  In 1801, Britain annexed Ireland as part of the United Kingdom.

Emergence of Celtic Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions

The earliest known inhabitants of Ireland were Neolithic hunter-gatherers. By 4500 BC they had developed agriculture and domesticated animals. Around 2000 BC, the Celts arrived from Central Europe. They spoke Celtic languages, which evolved into modern day Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Manx, Welsh, Cornish, Brecon, Cumbric, and Brittonic.

Yes! Dublin is a safe city and you should feel comfortable walking anywhere after dark. However, it's always advisable to stick to well-lit streets and avoid isolated places.

Whiskey is a type of distilled alcohol. Whiskey comes from fermented grain mash. Before distillation, the mash was allowed to ferment naturally. Distilling takes place at high temperatures, which kills off bacteria and yeasts. Yeast produces ethanol, which is what makes whiskey alcoholic.

Ireland was once known as the Emerald Island. The emerald color came from the lush green fields of Ireland. The island was covered in forests and had many rivers running through it. Today, Ireland is still considered the Emerald Isle because of the beautiful emerald green grass covering the country.