Background: Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. 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.
July 14th 2008Europe » Ireland » County Mayo » Westport
For those who don’t know, Croagh Patrick is not Irelands highest mountain but definitely the it's famous. For 40 days and 40 nights St. Patrick fasted on top of the ‘reek’ before h ... [full story]
May 19th 2008Europe » Ireland » County Mayo Drove back to Carrickfergus Castle and toured for an hour. We then started our long drive across Ireland. We are staying overnight in Castlebar and ate dinner at Cox’s Restaurant.
... 12 photos[full story]
March 19th 2008Europe » Ireland » County Mayo Last weekend, I joined my Irish friends to visit the western part of the Republic of Ireland. We stayed overnight in Ballymote and visited Ballina, Inniscrone, and the place called Knock. I dont have ... [full story]
March 20th 2008Europe » Ireland » County Mayo » Westport We’re now in County Mayo at Kinsallagh, overlooking Clew Bay and Achill Island, with the Atlantic pounding on the other side, at a very cosy B&B. Behind us is Croagh Padraig - the hill on which ... 12 photos[full story]
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