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"Ireland's history has been shaped by the many invaders who have set foot on the country's shores. For centuries conflict raged amongst the native Irish, Vikings, Anglo-Normans, English and Scots, then the Catholics and Protestants. This real-life game of thrones has moulded the social, political and military history of the nation, so often its problems caused by its proximity to more powerful neighbours. Being a largely `empty' land, Ireland was an attractive proposition for landless knights, and the Norman Conquest of Ireland in 1171 saw a group of carpetbagging Anglo-Normans begin to carve up the country. Without the incursions of the Vikings and Anglo-Normans, Ireland would not be the country it is today. Beginning with Ireland's earliest history, Ireland spans the centuries, covering the period of Scottish raiding during the War of Scottish Independence and the Elizabethan and Stuart plantations. The seventeenth century witnessed rebellions against English rule and Oliver Cromwell's storming of Drogheda and Wexford. Upon the installation of William III on the English throne, Ireland became a battleground between competing European powers, the struggle culminating in decisive defeats for James II at the battles of the Boyne and Aughrim, the bitter legacy of which has blighted modern times."--Publisher description Ireland's history has been shaped by the conquerors, kings and invaders who have stepped foot on its shores. Centuries of conflict raged between the native Irish, Vikings, Anglo-Normans, English and Scots, and latterly competing Catholic and Protestant kings. These conflicts shaped the social, political and military history of a nation which has often been dominated by problems caused by its proximity to more powerful neighbors. Being a largely empty land, Ireland was an attractive proposition for landless knights, and the Norman Conquest of Ireland in 1171 saw a group of Anglo-Normans begin to carve up the country. Nevertheless, without the Vikings and Anglo-Normans, urban development in Ireland would have been stunted and its evolution into the country it is today markedly altered. Beginning with Ireland's earliest history, this book spans the centuries, covering the period of Scottish raiding during the War of Scottish Independence and the Elizabethan and Stuart plantations. It concludes at the end of the 17th century; a century which witnessed rebellions against English rule and Oliver Cromwells storming of Drogheda and Wexford.