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History of Ireland

History of Ireland by Solvar Irish Jewelry

Have you ever wondered what the symbols on the History of Ireland Jewelry mean? We have all the details below.
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	St. Patrick Saint Patrick - Ireland’s patron saint, in the 5th Century helped transform Ireland from a land of pagan illiteracy into one known as a haven of learning, culture and Christianity. A heritage we are known for to this day and which is celebrated internationally every year on the 17th March.
	Round Towers These magnificent stone structures proudly stand as enduring images of the Christian faith in Ireland having provided refuge from invaders for the religious community and their precious relics between the 9th and 12th centuries.
	Vikings A race known for their plundering sprees across the high seas. Viking raids (first recorded in 795) were at first small and intermittent, but over the following decades they intensified in number and ferocity until the invaders found permanent settlements that irrevocably changed the landscape and society of Gaelic Ireland.
	Norman Invasion Our history of invasion continued, albeit at the request of an exiled King of Leinster, who sought assistance in regaining his throne. And while the Norman-French army landed in Ireland and were soon victorious ultimately Henry II fearing this rival Norman state may threaten the English throne, led his troops into Ireland in 1171, forcing the Irish Kings to submit to his authority.
	Dublin Castle Dublin Castle by built in 1204 by King John. For centuries it was home to the English treasure and the seat of justice in the city. It was strategically located in the heart of Dublin to act as a stronghold for the defence of Dublin and the surrounding regions of Leinster. The castle, with its imposing presence, evolved from a signal of Anglo-Norman power to provoking hostility and resentment as a constant symbol of the English occupation of Ireland. It now serves as venue for state and international events, though the echoes of past conflicts are evident within its walls.
	Battle of the Boyne The Battle of the Boyne was fought in 1690 between the Catholic King James II and his nephew and son-in-law the Protestant King William of the Dutch House of Orange. There were three issues at stake at the battle: The Throne of England, French Dominance of Europe and power in Ireland. This battle is regarded as central in the struggle between the Irish Protestant and Catholic communities as it protected the dominance of Protestant interests in Ireland for centuries to come.
	Direct Rule After decades of rule by English kings, the Act of Union in 1800 placed Ireland under the control of the British Parliament, aboloshing the little autonomy Ireland had over its economy, such as the linen industry, and national identity. Fearing the French revolution might be replicated in Ireland, Irish politicians and landowners were coerced to support the Union. The passing of the act was met with widespread oppostion and set off almost two centuries of social and politcal upheaval.
	Famine 19th Century Ireland was no stranger to hunger, but between the years 1845 - 1852 the country saw mass starvation on a scale never witnessed before. It is estimated that in Ireland during the Great Famine approximately one million people died and over a million more emigrated. Such widespread hunger was the result of the total dependence of one third of the population on the potato for food.
	Famine Ships The famine was a watershed in the history of Ireland. It was at this stage that the great ‘Irish Emigration’ began (especially to America). The Famine Ships offered hope for a better future and many left Irish shores, facing the unknown. Those attempting to escape the horror of famine were herded on to crowded, filthy, disease ridden ships and left with little access to even the most basic food and water supplies. Sadly for many, the dream of a new life turned to a horrible nightmare as hundreds died on the overcrowded and poorly provisioned ships.
	Easter Rising The Easter Rising of 1916 was organised by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, with the aim to end British rule in Ireland and to form an Irish Republic. Among the key buildings seized in Dublin on the morning of 24th April was the General Post Office (GPO) which was chosen as the headquarters of the military operation. It was at this location that the Proclamation of the Republic was declared by senior members of the Military Council. After days of relentless shelling by the British forces, the Republican Military Council was finally forced from their headquarters when the GPO caught fire. The GPO building has become synonymous as a symbol of the rising.
	Partition The subsequent declaration of independence from British rule led to the break out of the War of Independence between rival republican groups. The treaty which ended this conflict established Southern Ireland and Northern Ireland as independent self-governing states. At this time, Northern Ireland was populated and governed predominantly by protestants loyal to the crown and the parliament there opted to remain as part of the United Kingdom. The turmoil that has followed is well documented but while the geographical split still exists today, relations between North and South are now peaceful.
	Unknown Future The question mark symbolizes the promise offered by the future. It hints at the all potential it holds, the dreams that we can realize when we build upon this rich history that brings us together.