Lionel, Duke of Clarence, came back to Ireland in 1364, and again in 1367. On his third visit he summoned a Parliament at Kilkenny, and got it to pass the best known of the anti-Irish decrees, since known as the " Statute of Kilkenny." Above: minstrels in Ireland This famous statue shows the extent to which the settlers had been Gealicised, and the fear which the change instilled into the Government. Intermarriage, fosterage and gossipred with " the Irish enemy " were deemed treason, ... Read More

Above: Edward III Castle Edward III succeeded to the throne of England in 1527, in succession to his father Edward II. The Irish government emerged from the Bruce struggle weak; it now grew weaker year by year- engaged in defence rather than invasion; and the causes were not far to seek. The Irish, taking advantage of the dissensions and helplessness of the English, recovered a great part of their lands. The English all over the country were fast becoming absorbed into the native ... Read More