Irish Studies: History, Geography, and Politics

Irish studies is an area of academic interest that focuses on the history, government, geography, and culture of Ireland. This interdisciplinary field invites curiosity-driven minds to delve into Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, turbulent history, and vibrant cultural expressions and connect with a nation that has influenced global literature, art, and political thought.

History

Irish history dates back thousands of years, stretching into prehistory, but the roots of Ireland as we know it began with the arrival of the Celts, a group of European tribes, around 500 B.C.E. The Celts had a strong influence on the development of Irish culture, which evolved as other settlers arrived, including the Vikings in the ninth century and the Normans in the 12th century. Invasion by the Normans led to a period of English domination of Ireland, which caused conflict and lasting discord that have echoed through history to the present day. Another major event in Irish history was the Great Famine of the 1840s, which killed around a million people and drove many Irish to flee to North America.

In 1916, the Irish staged an armed uprising against the English, known as the Easter Rising. They sought to establish Irish independence, but the rebellion was crushed by the British. However, it catalyzed a surge in support for the Irish cause, leading to the 1919-21 War of Independence. The war ended in a treaty that partitioned Ireland into two parts: the Irish Free State, a self-governing dominion, and Northern Ireland, which remained under British control. In 1937, the Irish Free State adopted its own constitution and was officially named Ireland, an independent republic.

Geography and Landmarks

Ireland, also called the Emerald Isle, is an island located to the west of Britain known for its rocky coastlines and green hills. The capital of Ireland is Dublin, and it contains 26 counties. The climate is generally temperate with abundant rainfall. Ireland is home to famed natural wonders such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway, known for its unique rock formations. It’s also home to thousands of castles, including Blarney Castle, a popular stop for tourists.

Politics

Ireland’s government is a parliamentary democracy, meaning that the people elect its leaders. Legislative power is given to the Oireachtas, the Irish parliament, which consists of two houses: the Dail Eireann, which has 160 members who are popularly elected, and the Seanad Eireann, which has 60 members who are not directly elected by the Irish public. The ceremonial head of state is the president. However, executive power is wielded by the taoiseach, or prime minister, who is chosen by the Dail Eireann and appointed by the president. Ireland has a long history of military neutrality and is not part of NATO. It is, however, a member of the European Union and the United Nations.

Arts and Culture

Ireland is known for having a rich culture and history of artistic achievement. Irish literature is known worldwide thanks to famous writers such as James Joyce and W.B. Yeats. The Irish language, part of the Gaelic group of languages, is also an important aspect of Ireland’s cultural identity. The country’s music, dance, and story-telling traditions are alive and well, influencing works as diverse as Riverdance, the novels of Sebastian Barry, and the music of Hozier. Pubs are also a key part of Irish culture, serving as gathering places for people to share music, stories, and fellowship.

• The History of Ireland
• Ireland in Brief
• Ireland’s Geography and Landscape
• The Irish Political System
• Becoming Irish by Marriage
• Irish Traditional Step Dancing
• Irish Traditional Music
• Literature in Ireland
• Irish Culture
• Irish Folklore
• An Introduction to the Language of Ireland
• How to Get Irish Citizenship
• The Traditions of St. Brigid’s Day

This page was last updated by Marco Permunian