Irish House of Lords facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Irish House of Lords |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| History | |
| Established | 1297 |
| Disbanded | December 31, 1800 |
| Succeeded by | House of Lords of the United Kingdom |
| Leadership | |
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The Earl of Clare1 (1789–1801)
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| Structure | |
| Seats | typically 122–147 |
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Length of term
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Lifetime |
| Salary | nil |
| Elections | |
| Ennoblement by the monarch or inheritance of a peerage | |
| Meeting place | |
| Lords Chamber, Parliament House, Dublin | |
| Footnotes | |
| 1In 1800
See also: Parliament of Great Britain |
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The Irish House of Lords was an important part of the government in Ireland for a very long time. It was the "upper house" of the Parliament of Ireland, which means it was like a second, higher chamber where important people met to help make laws. This system was similar to the House of Lords in England.
The Irish House of Lords existed from medieval times, around the year 1297, until 1800. Its members were called peers, who were usually noblemen. They would meet in the Parliament House in Dublin.
What Was the Irish House of Lords?
The Irish House of Lords was a key part of Ireland's parliament. Think of it like a big council of important people. They worked alongside the "lower house," which was called the House of Commons. Together, these two houses made laws for Ireland.
The House of Lords was designed to be much like the House of Lords in England. This meant that noblemen, who held special titles like Earls or Barons, were members. They got their seats either by inheriting a noble title or by being given one by the monarch.
How Did It Work?
Members of the Irish House of Lords were usually noblemen. They held titles that were passed down through their families. Once they became a peer, they were a member for life. They didn't get a salary for their work, but it was a very respected position.
The main job of the House of Lords was to review and approve laws. Bills, which are ideas for new laws, would often start in the House of Commons. Then, they would go to the House of Lords for discussion and approval. Both houses had to agree for a bill to become a law.
The House of Lords also had some special roles. Sometimes, it acted like a high court, hearing important legal cases. This made it a very powerful body in Irish society.
The End of the House
The Irish House of Lords, along with the entire Parliament of Ireland, came to an end in 1800. This happened because of something called the Act of Union 1800. This Act joined the Kingdom of Ireland with the Kingdom of Great Britain.
After the Act of Union, there was no longer a separate Irish Parliament. Instead, Ireland became part of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which met in London. Some of the Irish peers then got to sit in the House of Lords in the new United Kingdom Parliament. This meant that the old Irish House of Lords stopped existing as a separate body.
Images for kids
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The House of Lords entrance to the Parliament House (east view). This part was designed by architect James Gandon.
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A view of the Irish House of Lords chamber, where members met.
