A body of water in Ireland

Major Events That Shaped Irish History

Ireland has a rich history and culture, but certain events in Irish history aren’t so positive. In this guide, we’ll highlight the three major Irish events that shaped the country it is today, filled with historical and cultural heritage.

The Great Famine

One of the most tragic events in the history of Ireland was the great famine that lasted from 1845 to 1849. The famine started due to the potato blight fungus that led to the crops failing for 4 consecutive years, leading to the death of millions. This happened because the potato was a staple food in Ireland; for some, it was the only food they could afford. The rest of the produce was mainly for export. The British government’s slow reaction worsened the famine, and stability was slowly brought when the US and Mexico shipped supplies to the starving population.

The Division Of Ireland

The division of Ireland is a major event in the country’s history. The country split into Northern and Southern Ireland in 1922. It was due to the aftermath of the Home Rule Bill that was presented to resolve conflicts between the unionists and the nationalists. The unionist wanted to remain a part of Britain, while the nationalists wanted a separate state.

As a result, the nationalists rebelled against British rule, and after many British army officers resigned, the nationalists gained power, and Ireland was officially divided into Northern and Southern Ireland, with the former opting to remain under British rule.

Ruins of a castle in Irelands

The Protestant Ascendency

The Catholics in Ireland took the side of King James 11 in 1688 during England’s Glorious Revolution. However, they soon faced defeat, and the Irish Protestant elite declared their victory over the Catholics. As a result, many laws were put in place against the Catholics that barred them from acquiring property or parliamentary powers.

It wasn’t until 1782 that the ‘Patriot’ party led by Henry Grattan forced the British government to give the Irish citizens parliamentary legislative independence.

Take Heritage Tours Of Ireland With My Irish Family Heritage

Visit Ireland and experience the nature and cultural history. My Ireland Family Heritage offers cultural and ancestry tours in Ireland. Additionally, with a 95% accuracy rate, our organization provides thorough Irish ancestry and genealogy research. We also have authentic tour guides, ensuring you see the most genuine spots in Ireland. To learn more about our tours or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today!

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Customised Genealogy & Historical Tour

Review of My Ireland Heritage Tours Presented on Trip adviser Oct 2024 By • Family TomBarron2013 New York City, NY2

Once in a lifetime experience

Oct 2024 • Family

We highly recommend My Ireland Heritage for anyone who wants to learn and be guided to their Irish “roots” and much, much more. Sean Quinn and Ian Darragh of My Ireland Family Heritage have deep knowledge or the areas we wanted to visit in Meath, Sligo and Kilkenny. While we knew about one side of the family history back to 1690, there was nothing known about the other that arrived in the US in the 1870s.

Ian, Sean, and Nicola did thorough research on our localities and locations from which our ancestors left for America in 1849 and later. In addition, Ian and Sean did separate day-long “recons” in advance of our time with them, seeking out local people and the specific properties with maps and whatever records still available. Their results were absolutely outstanding! In both our cases, they found and took us to our still-existing cottages and shops from the early 1820s.

It was so enjoyable to be with Ian for three days and for a special day with Sean. Whether it was the Newgrange World Heritage sites 5,500 years old , the Battle of the Boyne 1690 , or the local cemeteries and churches of our ancestors. Ian was especially attentive to my wife throughout the travels after she twisted her ankle in a rain-soaked old cemetery.

Throughout the process of trip preparation over months to giving us the final, wonderful books of Meath and Sligo, Aisling was highly professional and responsive with all the many details. The bound books she prepared are treasures! Thanks to all for truly exceptional experiences.

Newgrange World Unesco Site 5500 years old
Battle of the Boyne 1690 AD
Customised Historical Tours Trim Castle
Entrance stone at Newgrange

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Review of My Ireland Heritage Tours Presented on Trip adviser by Shelley L @ sjlively

Exceptional in every way!

Over the last few months of preparing for our trip, every single detail was meticulously attended, not only professionally, but helpfully, and in such a friendly manner, that I felt as if I knew Sean, Aisling and Ian before I even stepped off the plane.

The amount of work these wonderful people put into our personal history is mindboggling. My mother was an avid amateur genealogist, and had worked for decades to bring to light the trail our family took, but our resources are limited.

Sean knows exactly where to look, and was able to fill in so many gaps that had eluded us for generations. Some of the information he found, unbeknownst even to him, actually solidified the findings we had amassed over the years. Ours was a family in coal mining – I only found on our tour that they had originated from a mining area, and their arrival on the  border coincided exactly with the decline in the mining industry in County Wicklow.

I would have been overjoyed simply with the knowledge of why they left when they did, about 12 years before the famine. Breaking through our brick wall of great grandparents even farther back on the family tree was a dream come true, but to be able to set foot on not only the area they lived, and find that the house is still there was overwhelming. Seeing the family church and cemetery where our ancestors and extended family still rest is a truly moving experience.

The care taken by this company in each and every aspect of the journey cannot be overstated. Only about 2 weeks prior to my trip, Sean contacted me to let me know that he had also stumbled across some of my husband’s family name in the process and included them as well in his research. How often can anyone say that they not only got what they paid for, but more than they ever imagined? I can say that. They were even kind enough to answer a few follow-up questions after my return home, as I was so stunned on my tour with Ian that I didn’t think ask at the time.If you have the opportunity to make the trip to Ireland, contact My Ireland Family Heritage before you go.

If your family was there, Sean will go above and beyond to find them. Even without family, contact them anyway. Ian is a walking encyclopedia of history, and so fun to talk to. Aisling will make sure every “I” is dotted, and every “T” is crossed.  Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime, and the opportunity to pass on everything we have discovered to future generations

The Consultation at Hotel / Office or by Phone opens all doors
Genealogy gets you off the Beaten Track to see the Real Ireland

Unique to Every Address with My Ireland Family Research