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| The human history of the island
started somewhere around 7500 - 6000 BC. With retreating glaciers,
hunters and gatherers made their way from Europe
(maybe via Scotland) to become the first settlers
of the island. By 4000 BC, farming and animal herding were in
evidence; some stone walls date back to this
period. With increase abundance, these early
people had extra time on their hands. By 3000 -2000
BC
they had enough time to start construction of
some rather elaborate passage graves. (Newgrange) |
Photo
Above: One of the small mounds at KnowthMuch, if not
most, of the worlds Neolithic art has been found
in Ireland. The Knowth site alone contains 30% of
total known Neolithic art in Europe.
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Above:
The Drombeg Stone Circle date to around
150 BC |
Around 2000 BC the Bronze Age arrived
in Ireland, followed by the Iron age,
around 700 BC. With
the Iron age came the Celtic tribes of
central Europe, who settled on the island
from 600-150 BC |
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| The Celts quickly (well
over a few hundred years or so)
assimilated with the native residents of
Ireland. Celtic language and traditions
were widely adapted by the natives and
soon Celtic circular forts were scattered
about the island. Christian influences on
the Island may have started as early as
300 AD. Not to be left out, small
groups of Vikings started showing up in
Ireland around 800 AD. At first, they
were more interested in raiding the local
monastery than making the island their
permanent home.
In response to the Viking raids, the
Monasteries build tall round towers, with
entrance doors high up above the ground.
The Monks would use the towers to watch
for the Viking raiders and should the
Vikings arrive, the tower became the
Monks safe refuge.
In 914 AD the Vikings decided it was
time to take the island in earnest, and a
true invasion conmence.
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Photo
above - surviving high cross with round
tower (represented) in background. |
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The Viking invasion was finally ended
when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes
in 1014 AD. English
invasions began in the 12th century and
set off more than seven centuries of
Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce
rebellions and harsh repressions. A
failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion
touched off several years of guerrilla
warfare that in 1921 resulted in
independence from the UK for 26 southern
counties; six northern (Ulster) counties
remained part of the United Kingdom. In
1948 Ireland withdrew from the British
Commonwealth; it joined the European
Community in 1973. Irish governments have
sought the peaceful unification of
Ireland and have cooperated with Britain
against terrorist groups. A peace
settlement for Northern Ireland, known as
the Good Friday Agreement and approved in
1998, is being implemented with some
difficulties. |
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Relationship
Disclosure
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