Irish history & identity 2 : From the coming of the English invasion in 1169 to the Coronation of Henry VIII as King of Ireland in 1541.
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- Start Date: 30 Oct 2025End Date: 04 Dec 2025Thu (Daytime): 12:45 - 14:45In PersonFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00
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What is the course about?
At its closest point, the distance between Britain and Ireland is a mere twelve miles. However, despite this proximity Ireland’s historical development, whilst sharing similarities to that of Britain, was also fundamentally different in terms of ethnicity, language, religious observance, and law. This course takes as its premise, the view that the development of an authentic expression of Irish identity, although undoubtedly affected by a relationship with Britain as colonisers, cohabitants and companions was influenced and inspired by developments in continental Europe and America that it was this relationship which was to prove the bedrock and foundation of a distinct and different expression of identity which, try as it might Britain, could never suppress.
What will we cover?
Wk. 1 The English Invasion of Ireland in 1169.
Wk. 2. What was the Impact of the arrival of the English?
Wk. 3 What were the Statutes of Kilkenny and why were they important?
Wk. 4. Gaelic Ireland in the 15th Century.
WK 5. The Rise and Fall of the House of Kildare.
Wk. 6 Politics, Religion, Education and Sports before the Tudors.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Have a knowledge and understanding of key events in Irish history from invasion of Ireland by England to the coronation of Henry VIII as King of Ireland in 1541.
• Consider evaluate and explain the significance of mainland Europe in the creation of a sense of an identity in Ireland that separate from and different to notions of governance and control from Britain.
• Understand the similarities and differences between cultural identity in Britain and Ireland.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
• There is no requirement for any academic qualification before taking this course. It is aimed at anyone who is interested in a narrative of Irish history built upon the thesis that continental Europe greatly affected the distinctiveness of Irish identity.
An open mind and a willingness to engage respectfully in class discussion and debates.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
• The course comprises six 2hr interactive lectures. Pre and post lectures readings and other activities are offered on a voluntary basis.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HBH75 Irish history and identiy 3: From the Coronation of Henry VIII as King of Ireland in 1541 to The Treaty of Limerick in 1691.
Colm has been involved in education for 40 years and has extensive adult education experience. Currently an Associate Lecturer at Solent University in Southampton, he holds degrees from five universities including a PhD from Strathclyde and an MBA from Hull. He has published extensively on sport and education in internationally peer reviewed journals including an article on sport in Elite Irish Schools 1878-1914. He has also co-authored a book on the role of schoolteachers in the development of association football in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His latest book Sport and Irish Identity is due in 2022.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.