The Irish Identity: Independence, History, and Literature

The Irish Renaissance in the early 20th century C.E. is a remarkable period for arts, literature, and culture; tracing the course of Irish history, starting with the ancient Celts and running through the Middle Ages.

Understanding Irish history by reflecting on its relationship with the English; going back to the 1100s, when Ireland lacked a central king; witnessing the Norman invasions that were the start of England's dominion over Ireland.

Studying the Irish political context with a probe of the rise of William of Orange, who restores Protestantism to England and enacts severe penal codes that oppress Irish Catholics; learning how writers such as Jonathan Swift champion the Irish poor.

Following Irish history through the age of rebellions sweeping across Europe and America and finding out how figures such as Wolfe Tone found the quest for Irish republicanism; delving into the cultural expressions of the 18th and 19th centuries.

One of the most famous people in Ireland's struggle for independence is Daniel O'Connell, who leads the charge for Catholic emancipation as well as the effort to repeal Britain's Act of Union; learning how the Great Famine devastates the nation.

The political tensions of the 19th century C.E., from the Great Famine to Charles Stewart Parnell's attempts to pass a Home Rule Bill, and how they set the stage for the Celtic Revival; interest in ancient Irish language, sports, and literature.