Irish states since 1171 facts for kids

Irish states have had many different names over almost a thousand years. Around the year 500 AD, Ireland was made up of many small tribal kingdoms. These kingdoms were slowly starting to come together to form a single Irish state, much like what was happening in other parts of Europe.

However, this process was stopped when the Normans invaded Ireland in 1169. Even after the invasion, many local Irish kingdoms fought back for centuries. The English, under the Tudor dynasty, finally took full control of the island in the 17th century.

This article talks about the different states that existed in Ireland from 1171 onwards. These states were created because of the involvement of the Normans and later, the English, on the island. Before the entire island was under English rule after the Nine Years' War ended in 1603, these states shared Ireland with many local Irish kingdoms that were still independent.

The list below focuses on states that covered all of Ireland (or were meant to) and the states that formed after Ireland was divided in 1922. It does not list the individual local Irish kingdoms that governed their own areas, even during the "Gaelic resurgence" from 1350 to 1500.

Ireland in 1450, showing different areas of control.

Early States and English Rule

The Lordship of Ireland (1171–1541)

The Lordship of Ireland was the first major state created by the Normans and English in Ireland. It lasted from 1171 to 1541. During this time, the English king was the "Lord of Ireland." However, the English only controlled parts of the island, mainly around Dublin, known as "The Pale." Many Gaelic Irish kingdoms still ruled their own lands outside of English control.

The Kingdom of Ireland (1541–1800)

In 1541, the English king, Henry VIII, declared himself the King of Ireland. This changed the Lordship into the Kingdom of Ireland. This meant that Ireland was now officially a kingdom under the English crown. The English slowly gained more control over the entire island during this period.

Attempts at Irish Self-Rule

Even under English rule, there were times when Irish people tried to govern themselves:

• Confederate Ireland (1642–1649): During a time of war in England, Irish leaders formed their own government. They controlled about two-thirds of Ireland. This was one of the most successful periods of Irish self-government between the time of Brian Boru, a famous High King of Ireland, and the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922.
• Patriot Parliament (1689): This was a parliament called by King James II in Dublin. It was mostly made up of Irish Catholics and passed laws that aimed to give more rights to Irish people. However, it only lasted a short time.
• Irish Republic (1798): In 1798, a group of Irish rebels, with help from France, tried to create a revolutionary republic. This short-lived republic only controlled small parts of Connacht for a few weeks in August and September 1798. It is often forgotten today.

Ireland as Part of the United Kingdom

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801–1922)

In 1801, the Kingdom of Ireland officially joined with the Kingdom of Great Britain. This created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Ireland was now fully part of the British state, governed from London.

The 1916 Irish Republic

During this period, there was another attempt at creating an independent Irish state:

• The Irish Republic (1916): During Easter Week in 1916, Irish rebels launched an uprising in Dublin. They declared an Irish Republic. This republic only controlled small parts of the capital city for six days. Even though it was quickly defeated, it became a very important symbol for Irish independence.

Modern Irish States

The Revolutionary Irish Republic (1919–1922)

After the 1916 uprising, the desire for independence grew stronger. In 1919, Irish elected representatives formed their own parliament, called Dáil Éireann, and declared an independent Irish Republic. This led to the Irish War of Independence against British rule.

Partition and New States (1921–Present)

In 1921, the British government passed a law that divided Ireland into two parts:

• Northern Ireland (1921–present): This part of Ireland remained within the United Kingdom. It still exists today.
• Southern Ireland (1921–1922): This was meant to be a separate state, but it only existed on paper for a short time. It was soon replaced by the Irish Free State.

The Irish Free State (1922–1937)

After the War of Independence, a treaty was signed in 1921. This led to the creation of the Irish Free State (or Saorstát Éireann in Irish) in 1922. This was an independent country, but it was still part of the British Commonwealth, and the British monarch was its head of state.

Ireland (1937–Present)

In 1937, the Irish Free State adopted a new constitution. This constitution changed the name of the state to simply Ireland (or Éire in Irish). It also created the office of the President of Ireland as the head of state.

In 1949, the Republic of Ireland Act was passed. This officially declared Ireland a republic and removed all remaining powers of the British monarch. Even after this act, the official name of the state remained Ireland, though it is often called the Republic of Ireland to distinguish it from the island of Ireland as a whole.

See also

• List of Irish uprisings

Timeline of Irish states