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Uncovering the Major Events that Shaped Ireland

Ireland is a country with a rich and complex history that has been shaped by a variety of significant events. From ancient times to modern-day, Irish history has been marked by political, social, and cultural changes that have shaped the country and its people. In this blog, we will delve into some of the major events that have shaped Ireland over the centuries.

The Celtic Invasion

One of the earliest significant events in Irish history was the Celtic invasion that occurred around 500 BC. The Celts were a group of people who originated in central Europe and migrated westward, eventually settling in Ireland. The Celts brought with them their language, culture, and religion, which had a significant impact on Irish society.

The Celts established a hierarchical society with a warrior class at the top. They also introduced the tradition of storytelling, which became an integral part of Irish culture. The Celts also influenced Irish art and architecture, contributing to the creation of the famous Celtic knot designs that are still popular today. These cultural elements can be experienced firsthand through family history tours, which are a great way to learn about Ireland’s rich heritage.

The Norman Invasion

The Norman invasion of Ireland occurred in the 12th century and had a significant impact on Irish history. The Normans were a group of people who originated in Normandy, France, and were led by William the Conqueror. They invaded England in 1066 and eventually expanded their territory to Ireland.

If you are interested in Irish ancestry research, it is important to understand the impact of the Normans on Irish society. They brought with them a feudal system of government and introduced the concept of the castle to Ireland. They also established a system of land ownership that would have a lasting impact on Irish society. Additionally, the Normans introduced the English language and culture to Ireland, which would become dominant over time.

The Great Famine

The Great Famine, also known as the Potato Famine, was one of the most significant events in Irish history. It occurred between 1845 and 1852 and was caused by a potato blight that destroyed the country’s primary food source. The British government’s inadequate response to the crisis exacerbated the situation, leading to the death of over one million people and the emigration of another two million.

The Great Famine had a profound impact on Irish society and culture. It led to a significant decline in the population, with many Irish people emigrating to other countries in search of better opportunities. The famine also contributed to the decline of the Irish language and culture, as many people sought to assimilate into English-speaking societies.

The Easter Rising

The Easter Rising was a significant event in Irish history that occurred in 1916. It was a rebellion against British rule in Ireland and was led by a group of Irish nationalists who sought to establish an independent Irish republic. The rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, but it paved the way for the eventual establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922.

The Easter Rising had a significant impact on Irish society and culture, which is an important aspect to consider for those who are interested in genealogy research. It led to increased nationalism and a growing desire for Irish independence, both of which influenced the lives of many Irish people for generations to come. The rebellion also contributed to the decline of the British Empire, as it exposed the weaknesses of British rule in Ireland, providing valuable insights for those who are studying this period of history as part of their genealogy research.

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Discover the major events that shaped Ireland with My Ireland Family Heritage. Our one-day family heritage tour offers expert genealogy research, ancestry research, family history tours, cultural tours, and historical tours throughout Ireland. Uncover the stories behind Irish emigration and trace your Irish roots like never before. Don’t wait any longer to explore your family’s history. Contact us today to learn more!

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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

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