History of Ireland in Timeline

Ireland is an island in Northwestern Europe, separated from Great Britain. It's the second-largest island of the British Isles and the third-largest in Europe. Geopolitically, it's divided into the Republic of Ireland (a sovereign state covering five-sixths of the island) and Northern Ireland (part of the UK). The island's population is just over 7 million as of 2022, with the Republic of Ireland having 5.1 million and Northern Ireland 1.9 million, making it the second-most populous island in Europe after Great Britain.

1900: Gaelic revival

By 1900, cultural nationalists had begun the Gaelic revival, which saw the beginnings of modern literature in Irish.

1900: Publication of Aether and Matter

Sir Joseph Larmor published Aether and Matter, a book on theoretical physics in 1900.

Aether and Matter

Check it on Amazon

1904: Founding of the Abbey Theatre

The Republic of Ireland's national theatre, the Abbey Theatre, was founded in 1904.

1913: Ulster Volunteers Formed

In 1913, the Ulster Volunteers were formed under the leadership of Edward Carson to prevent the Home Rule bill from passing.

1914: Home Rule bill to pass in parliament

In 1914, it looked certain that a Home Rule bill would finally pass through parliament.

1914: Establishment of the Irish Volunteers

In 1914, the Irish Volunteers were established to ensure that the Home Rule Bill was passed.

1916: Easter Rising

In 1916, the Easter Rising took place, carried out by the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizen Army.

1918: Conscription Crisis

In 1918, support for Irish republicanism increased further due to the ongoing war in Europe, as well as the Conscription Crisis.

1918: Sinn Féin Endorsement

In 1918, the pro-independence republican party, Sinn Féin, received overwhelming endorsement in the general election.

1919: Proclamation of Irish Republic

In 1919, Sinn Féin proclaimed an Irish Republic, setting up its own parliament (Dáil Éireann) and government.

1920: Government of Ireland Act

In 1920, the Government of Ireland Act divided the United Kingdom, leading to the creation of Northern Ireland.

July 1921: Truce in the guerrilla war

In July 1921, a truce was reached in the three-year guerrilla war launched by the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

December 1921: Anglo-Irish Treaty Concluded

In December 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was concluded between the British government and representatives of the Second Dáil, granting Ireland complete independence in its home affairs but allowing Northern Ireland to remain within the United Kingdom.

1921: Population Decline

By 1921, the population of Ireland was reduced to slightly over four million.

1921: Dublin Clubs Form Football Association of the Irish Free State

In 1921, Dublin-based clubs broke away from the Irish Football Association (IFA) to form the Football Association of the Irish Free State.

1921: Partition of Ireland

Prior to the partition in 1921, Ireland had a long history as an economic colony.

June 1922: Violence in Northern Ireland

In June 1922, violence continued, mostly in Northern Ireland.

1922: Publication of Ulysses

James Joyce's 1922 novel Ulysses is considered one of the most important works of Modernist literature.

Ulysses

Check it on Amazon

May 1923: End of the Irish Civil War

In May 1923, the Irish Civil War officially ended when Éamon de Valera issued a cease-fire order.

1923: FAI Recognized by FIFA

In 1923, the Football Association of the Irish Free State (FAI) was recognized by FIFA.

1926: FAI Organizes First International Fixture

In 1926, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) organized its first international fixture against Italy.

1928: Establishment of An Taibhdhearc

The national Irish-language theatre, An Taibhdhearc, was established in 1928 in Galway.

1929: First-past-the-post elections

In 1929, Northern Ireland's government, elected by "first-past-the-post", was controlled by the Ulster Unionist Party.

1937: Adoption of a New Constitution

In 1937, a new constitution was adopted, completing a process of gradual separation from the British Empire.

September 1941: End of German intelligence operations

In September 1941, German intelligence operations in Ireland ended with police arrests based on surveillance carried out on diplomatic legations in Dublin.

1941: Bombing raids in Belfast

In 1941, Belfast suffered four bombing raids during the Second World War.

1947: Fred Daly Wins British Open

In 1947, Fred Daly was the last Irishman to win the British Open before Pádraig Harrington's win in 2007.

1948: Republic of Ireland Act

In 1948, Ireland declared itself a republic with the Republic of Ireland Act.

1949: Declaration of the Republic of Ireland

In 1949, the state was officially declared to be the Republic of Ireland.

1949: Publication of Cré na Cille

Máirtín Ó Cadhain's 1949 novel Cré na Cille is regarded as a modernist masterpiece.

Graveyard Clay: Cré na Cille (The Margellos World Republic of Letters)

Check it on Amazon

1950: FIFA Directs Associations on Player Selection

In 1950, FIFA directed the Irish Football Association (IFA) and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to select players only from within their respective territories.

1951: Ernest Walton wins Nobel Prize in Physics

Ernest Walton won the 1951 Nobel Prize in Physics.

1953: FIFA Directs FAI and IFA Team Names

In 1953, FIFA directed that the FAI's team be known as "Republic of Ireland" and the IFA's team as "Northern Ireland."

1953: US Survey Reveals Lack of Awareness of Irish Whiskey

In 1953, an Irish government survey found that 50% of whiskey drinkers in the United States had never heard of Irish whiskey.

1958: Northern Ireland Qualifies for World Cup Finals

In 1958, Northern Ireland qualified for the World Cup finals, reaching the quarter-finals.

1961: Population Decline

In 1961, the population continued to fall in Ireland.

1967: Discovery of pulsars

The astronomer Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered pulsars in 1967.

1969: Emergence of the Provisional IRA

In 1969, the paramilitary Provisional IRA, which favored the creation of a united Ireland, emerged from a split in the Irish Republican Army and began a campaign against what it called the "British occupation of the six counties".

1970: Europe Last Won U.S. Open

In 1970, it was the last time Europe had won U.S. Open since Graeme McDowell's win in 2010.

1972: Direct rule imposed

In 1972, owing to the civil unrest during the Troubles, the British government suspended home rule and imposed direct rule.

1972: Self-governing jurisdiction

Until 1972, Northern Ireland was a self-governing jurisdiction within the United Kingdom with its own parliament and prime minister.

1973: Accession to the EEC

In 1973, The Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom both acceded to the European Economic Community (EEC).

1973: Ireland and the United Kingdom join the European Economic Community

In 1973, both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, which included Northern Ireland, joined the European Economic Community.

1973: Sunningdale Agreement

In 1973, there was an unsuccessful attempt to end the Troubles politically, with the Sunningdale Agreement.

1982: Northern Ireland Qualifies for World Cup Finals

In 1982, Northern Ireland qualified for the World Cup finals.

1986: Northern Ireland Qualifies for World Cup Finals

In 1986, Northern Ireland qualified for the World Cup finals.

1987: Economy Improvement

Beginning in 1987, the Irish economy improved, leading to substantial economic growth in the 1990s.

1988: Republic of Ireland Qualifies for European Championship

In 1988, the Republic of Ireland qualified for the European Championship.

1990: Republic of Ireland Qualifies for World Cup Finals

In 1990, the Republic of Ireland qualified for the World Cup finals, reaching the quarter-finals.

1991: Ireland Hosts Games during Rugby World Cup

Ireland hosted games, including a quarter-final, during the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

1994: Armagh re-granted city status

Armagh was re-granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994.

1994: Rugby Goes Professional in Ireland

In 1994, rugby went professional in Ireland, increasing competitiveness at international and provincial levels.

1994: Republic of Ireland Qualifies for World Cup Finals

In 1994, the Republic of Ireland qualified for the World Cup finals.

1994: Provisional IRA and loyalist ceasefires

Violence had decreased greatly after the Provisional IRA and loyalist ceasefires in 1994.

1995: Start of Celtic Tiger period

A period of rapid economic expansion from 1995 onwards became known as the Celtic Tiger period.

1995: Beginning of Substantial Economic Growth

Beginning in 1995, the Republic of Ireland experienced substantial economic growth.

1995: Sonia O'Sullivan Wins Gold at World Championships

In 1995, Sonia O'Sullivan won gold at the World Championships in the 5,000 metres.

1995: Heat wave

Ireland was affected by a heat wave in 1995.

1998: Good Friday Agreement

In 1998, following a ceasefire by the Provisional IRA and multi-party talks, the Good Friday Agreement was concluded as a treaty between the British and Irish governments, annexing the text agreed in the multi-party talks.

1999: Discovery of a 2000-digit prime number

In 1999, John B. Cosgrave discovered a 2000-digit prime number.

1999: Discovery of natural gas in the Corrib Gas Field

In 1999, economically significant finds of natural gas were made in the Corrib Gas Field off the County Mayo coast.

1999: Republic of Ireland joins the Euro

In 1999, the Republic of Ireland joined the euro.

1999: Ireland Hosts Games during Rugby World Cup

Ireland hosted games during the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

2000: Discovery of a 2000-digit prime number

In 2000, John B. Cosgrave discovered a 2000-digit prime number.

2000: Sonia O'Sullivan Wins Silver at Sydney Olympics

In 2000, Sonia O'Sullivan won silver at the Sydney Olympics in the 5,000 metres.

2000: Discovery of the Helvick oil field

In 2000, the Helvick oil field was discovered, which was estimated to contain over 28 million barrels (4,500,000 m) of oil.

2000: Sixth-richest country in the world

In 2000, the Republic of Ireland was the sixth-richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita.

2001: Local Government Act

Since the 2001 Local Government Act, Kilkenny is no longer a city for administrative purposes.

2002: Republic of Ireland Qualifies for World Cup Finals

In 2002, the Republic of Ireland qualified for the World Cup finals.

2003: Gaelic Football Dominates Sports Attendance

In 2003, Gaelic football accounted for 34% of total sports attendances in Ireland and abroad, followed by hurling at 23%, soccer at 16%, and rugby at 8%.

2003: Gillian O'Sullivan Wins Silver at World Championships

In 2003, Gillian O'Sullivan won silver in the 20k walk at the World Championships.

2003: Discovery of a record composite Fermat number

In 2003, John B. Cosgrave discovered a record composite Fermat number.

2003: Heat wave

Ireland was affected by a heat wave in 2003.

2004: Ireland Wins Triple Crown in Six Nations Championship

In 2004, the Irish International side had increased success in the Six Nations Championship, including Triple Crowns.

2004: Increased Research and Development in Renewable Energy

Since 2004, research and development in renewable energy (such as wind power) has increased.

2004: EU expansion

Since the European Union expanded to include Poland in 2004, Polish people have comprised the largest number of immigrants (over 150,000) from Central Europe.

2005: Provisional IRA disarms

In 2005, the Provisional IRA announced the end of its armed campaign and an independent commission supervised its disarmament and that of other nationalist and unionist paramilitary organisations.

2005: Katie Taylor Begins Winning Streak in European and World Championships

Since 2005, Katie Taylor has won gold in every European and World championship.

2006: Census showing growth of Muslim community

According to the 2006 census, the Muslim community was growing in Ireland.

2006: Canadian population of Irish descent

As of 2006, 4.3 million Canadians, or 14% of the population, were of Irish descent.

2006: Foreign nationals in Ireland

As of 2006, there were 420,000 foreign nationals in the Republic of Ireland, about 10% of the population.

2006: County Leitrim Population Increase

In 2006, County Leitrim was the final Irish county to record a population increase post-famine.

2006: Munster Wins Heineken Cup

In 2006, Munster won the Heineken Cup.

2006: Ryder Cup Held at The K Club

In 2006, The Ryder Cup was held at The K Club in County Kildare.

2006: Salmon Fishing Boosted by Closing Driftnet Fishery

In 2006, salmon fishing in Ireland received a boost with the closing of the salmon driftnet fishery.

2006: Derval O'Rourke Wins Gold at World Indoor Championship

In 2006, sprint hurdler Derval O'Rourke won gold at the World Indoor Championship in Moscow.

2006: Heat wave

Ireland was affected by a heat wave in 2006.

July 2007: Pádraig Harrington Wins British Open

In July 2007, Pádraig Harrington became the first Irishman since Fred Daly in 1947 to win the British Open at Carnoustie.

2007: International Rugby and Soccer Played at Croke Park

During the redevelopment of the Lansdowne Road stadium, in 2007 international rugby and soccer were played at Croke Park.

2007: Ireland Wins Triple Crown in Six Nations Championship

In 2007, the Irish International side had increased success in the Six Nations Championship, including Triple Crowns.

2007: Restoration of Assembly and Executive

The Assembly and power-sharing Executive were suspended several times but were restored again in 2007. In that year the British government officially ended its military support of the police in Northern Ireland (Operation Banner) and began withdrawing troops.

July 2008: Harrington Defends British Open Title

In July 2008, Pádraig Harrington successfully defended his title in the British Open.

2008: GDP Decline

In 2008, Ireland's GDP fell by 3%, marking the end of the Celtic Tiger economic boom.

2008: Kenneth Egan Wins Silver Medal at Beijing Games

In 2008, Kenneth Egan won a silver medal in boxing at the Beijing Olympic Games, and Paddy Barnes secured a bronze medal.

2008: Munster Wins Heineken Cup

In 2008, Munster won the Heineken Cup.

2008: End of Celtic Tiger period

The Celtic Tiger period was brought to an end in 2008 with an unprecedented financial crisis.

2009: CNBC Reports on Irish Whiskey Popularity

In 2009, CNBC reported that Irish whiskey remains popular domestically and has grown in international sales steadily over a few decades.

2009: Severe GDP decline

In 2009, Ireland experienced a severe economic recession, with GDP falling by 7.1%, the worst year since records began.

2009: Economic depression

In 2009, Ireland experienced an economic depression.

2009: Leinster Wins Heineken Cup and Ireland Achieves Grand Slam

In 2009, Leinster won the Heineken Cup, and the Irish International side achieved a Grand Slam in the Six Nations Championship.

2009: Olive Loughnane Wins Silver at World Athletics Championships

In 2009, Olive Loughnane won a silver medal in the 20k walk at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

2009: Births to mothers born outside of Ireland

In 2009, nearly a quarter of births (24 percent) in the Republic of Ireland were to mothers born outside of Ireland.

2010: International Rugby and Soccer Played at Croke Park

During the redevelopment of the Lansdowne Road stadium, until 2010 international rugby and soccer were played at Croke Park.

2010: Graeme McDowell Wins U.S. Open

In 2010, Graeme McDowell became the first Irish golfer to win the U.S. Open.

2010: Paddy Barnes Wins Gold at European Amateur Boxing Championships and Commonwealth Games

In 2010, Paddy Barnes secured gold in the European Amateur Boxing Championships and Commonwealth Games.

2010: Unusually cold weather

In 2010, in common with the rest of Europe, Ireland experienced unusually cold weather during the winter.

2010: Survey on religious service attendance

In a 2010 survey conducted on behalf of the Irish Times, 32% of respondents said they went to a religious service more than once per week.

2010: Bundoran Hosts European Championship Surfing

Since just before 2010, Bundoran has hosted European championship surfing.

2011: Census showing growth of Muslim community

According to the 2011 census, the Muslim community was growing in Ireland.

2011: Leinster Wins Heineken Cup

In 2011, Leinster won the Heineken Cup.

2011: Rory McIlroy Wins U.S. Open and Darren Clarke Wins Open Championship

In 2011, Rory McIlroy won the U.S. Open, and Darren Clarke won the Open Championship at Royal St. George's.

June 2012: Symbolic handshake between McGuinness and Queen Elizabeth II

On 27 June 2012, Northern Ireland's deputy first minister and former IRA commander, Martin McGuinness, shook hands with Queen Elizabeth II in Belfast, symbolising reconciliation between the two sides.

August 2012: McIlroy Wins USPGA Championship

In August 2012, Rory McIlroy won his 2nd major championship by winning the USPGA Championship by a record margin of 8 shots.

August 2012: Katie Taylor Wins Gold at London Olympics

In August 2012, at the Olympic Games in London, Katie Taylor became the first Irish woman to win a gold medal in boxing in the 60 kg lightweight category.

2012: Leinster Wins Heineken Cup

In 2012, Leinster won the Heineken Cup.

2012: Research on genetic markers

In 2012, research indicated that genetic markers of the earliest farmers were almost eliminated by Beaker-culture immigrants, who carried a new Y-chromosome R1b marker believed to have originated in Iberia around 2,500 BC.

2012: Republic of Ireland Qualifies for European Championship

In 2012, the Republic of Ireland qualified for the European Championship.

2012: Unemployment Above 14%

In 2012, unemployment in Ireland remained above 14% due to the deep recession.

2013: Irish-Americans

As of 2013, there were 40 million Irish-Americans and 33 million Americans who claimed Irish ancestry.

2014: Republic of Ireland Ranks Among Top Clean-Technology Markets

In 2014, the Republic of Ireland ranked as one of the top 10 markets for clean-technology investment in the Global Green Economy Index.

2015: Ranking in Human Development Index

In 2015, the Republic of Ireland was ranked the sixth most developed nation in the world by the United Nations' Human Development Index.

2016: Referendum vote to leave the European Union

Following a referendum vote in 2016, the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, voted to leave the European Union (EU).

2016: Referendum on EU membership

In 2016 a referendum on EU membership was held in the UK which resulted in 51.9% of UK voters choosing to leave the bloc.

2016: Northern Ireland Qualifies for European Championship

In 2016, Northern Ireland qualified for the European Championship.

2018: Ireland Achieves Grand Slam

In 2018, the Irish International side achieved a Grand Slam in the Six Nations Championship.

2018: Heat wave

Ireland was affected by a heat wave in 2018.

2020: UK leaves the European Union

In 2020 the UK left the European Union.

2020: Kellie Harrington Wins Gold at Tokyo Olympics

In 2020, Kellie Harrington won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

2021: GDP of Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

As of 2021, the GDP of the Republic of Ireland was €423.5 billion (nominal), and in Northern Ireland, it was £52 billion (GVA Balanced). The GDP per capita in the Republic of Ireland was €84,049.9 (nominal), and in Northern Ireland was £27,154 (GVA Balanced).

2021: Earliest evidence of human activity in Ireland

Since 2021, the earliest evidence of human activity in Ireland is dated to 33,000 years ago, revising the previous estimate.

2022: Population of Ireland

As of 2022, the population of the entire island of Ireland is just over 7 million, with 5.1 million residing in the Republic of Ireland and 1.9 million in Northern Ireland.