Irish History for Beginners

[Owen Brannigan]

For a look at an aspect of our history since 1916 to current times, I would recommend:


Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA by Richard English


A timely work of major historical importance, examining the whole spectrum of events from the 1916 Easter Rising to the current and ongoing peace process, fully updated with a new afterword for the paperback edition.
'An essential book ... closely-reasoned, formidably intelligent and utterly compelling ... required reading across the political spectrum ... important and riveting' Roy Foster, The Times 'An outstanding new book on the IRA ... a calm, rational but in the end devastating deconstruction of the IRA' Henry McDonald, Observer

'Superb ... the first full history of the IRA and the best overall account of the organization. English writes to the highest scholarly standards ... Moreover, he writes with the common reader in mind: he has crafted a fine balance of detail and analysis and his prose is clear, fresh and jargon-free ... sets a new standard for debate on republicanism' Peter Hart, Irish Times

'The one book I recommend for anyone trying to understand the craziness and complexity of the Northern Ireland tragedy.' Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Armed-Struggle-History-Richard-English-ebook/dp/B003GWX87Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490976059&sr=8-1&keywords=the+armed+struggle

[Jell 0 Biafra]

A history of Ireland in 250 episodes is a good easy read especially if he hasn't much background knowledge

Just started that.  Did he really have to use 'Londonderry'?

[Ball Hopper]

On Youtube...BBC Northern Ireland series "The Story of Ireland"  Written and Presented by Fergal Keane in 2011

Episode 1 of 5 Age of Invasions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN0ndWAgA6o&list=PLDB7C584D70B31973

Episode 2 of 5 Age of Conquest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPXaPhpmvtc&index=2&list=PLDB7C584D70B31973

Episode 3 of 5 Age of Revolution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R53xY9KiZt8&index=3&list=PLDB7C584D70B31973

Episode 4 of 5 Age of Union
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbOD1fi8omw&list=PLDB7C584D70B31973&index=4

Episode 5 of 5 Age of Nations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO2J70RLzA8&list=PLDB7C584D70B31973&index=5

[Avondhu star]

A history of Ireland in 250 episodes is a good easy read especially if he hasn't much background knowledge

Grow up FFS

Just started that.  Did he really have to use 'Londonderry'?

[Harold Disgracey]

Was thinking the same thing myself. The book is based on a BBC radio series so it's probably to be expected.

I live in a little place called Derrynoose, I once received a letter from my pension company addressed to L*****Derrynoose!

[Jell 0 Biafra]

Was thinking the same thing myself. The book is based on a BBC radio series so it's probably to be expected.

I live in a little place called Derrynoose, I once received a letter from my pension company addressed to L*****Derrynoose!