Free Essay

Ireland

In: Historical Events

Submitted By nashy1
Words 1145
Pages 5
Reviving and even Invention Tradition was a major aspect of Irish Nationalism
What we know of history is only what we are told and shown. The idea of reviving and inventing tradition in Ireland shows us how history can be manipulated by its tellers in order to suit their cause.
Inventing tradition as described by Eric Hobsbawm is ‘A set of practices, normally governed by overtly or tacitly accepted rules and of a ritual or symbolic nature which seek to inculcate certain values and norms of behaviour by repetition, which automatically implies continuity with the past’ – Hobsbawm, Reading 5.1 p176, Tradition and Dissent.
It also includes preserving or showing only specific aspects of a history that align with the individual or groups specific cause and encourages specific beliefs about the past that it wants people to have.

The British conquest of Ireland was a gradual process which began in 1169, and by 1603 the whole of Ireland was under British rule. It was the belief of the Irish nationalists that Ireland should rule itself. After many years the Irish nationalists won independence from Britain in 1922.
Reviving and Inventing tradition was important both prior to gaining this independence, and after gaining independence.
Throughout the century prior to Ireland gaining its independence the nationalists were united in the goal to establish that the country of Ireland had a rich and ancient culture.
Thomas Davis was an Irish Nationalist who lived from 1814 until 1845. He dedicated a large portion of his short life to Irish nationalism. Davis and others (collectively known as ‘Young Ireland’) founded the newspaper ‘The Nation’ in 1842, its main aim being to promote, encourage and preserve Irish folk culture. Young Ireland looked beyond religion and looked to unite people based on a vision of Irelands past that everyone could share.
At around the same time George Petrie (1790 – 1866), believed that Irish culture had been destroyed by England. In order to prove that Ireland had a rich history of its own he spent much time studying archaeology in Ireland, the landscape, bardic writings and antiquities.
Another important part of Irelands own culture was the Irish language. Although during the 19th century the Irish language was still spoken, the number of people who spoke the native language was gradually getting lower. This was due to numerous reasons such as deaths, emigration, but also the fact that all schools in Ireland were teaching in the English language. This led to attempts being made to revive the Irish language. One such group emerged called ‘The Gaelic League’ (Conradh na Gaelige) which was founded by Douglas Hyde (1860 – 1949). We are told that Hyde’s ‘Campaign to revive the Irish language and its traditions helped to galvanise the movement for a complete separation of Ireland from Britain’ Anne Lawerence, p163, Tradition and Dissent. In a Gaelic League pamphlet that was based on a lecture given by the Gaelic League, they talk about how important language is and describe it as a ‘striking symbol’ – Reading 5.2 p 180, Tradition and Dissent. They go on to claim that ‘A distinct language is the surest and most powerful bond of a distinctive nationality’ – Reading 5.2. Whilst Hyde himself wished the Gaelic league to avoid politics, the very idea of reviving the Irish language naturally attracted nationalists and was infiltrated by the Irish Republican Brotherhood. These nationalists became unhappy with Hyde’s lack of politics within the group and this led him to resign from his position as president of the league in 1915. Poet W.B Yeats was another man who contributed to the Anglo-Irish literary revival. He was a member of the Gaelic League and he also founded the Abbey Theatre in Dublin (also known as the national theatre of Ireland). The Abbey theatre played host to a generation of writers who were writing works that could claim to be uniquely Irish, through both their content (Often focused on Irish folklore and mythology) and also using the Irish language.
These are some of the examples of Irish Heritage that gave the Irish nationalists justification for claiming that Ireland should have its own status as a nation.
Though reviving and inventing tradition was important leading up to Ireland gaining their independence, it also played a role after independence whilst building a new Ireland without Britain.
This can be demonstrated by taking a look at the way the country was rebuilt after the civil war. Many British buildings were left alone, allowed simply to deteriorate over time.
In parliamentary debates in 1929 in the Dáil Éireann it was said ‘every single man with a drop of Irish blood in his veins will remember that the time has come to remember the heroism of our race and it would be sad that the stones erected centuries ago and used by Irishmen would now be used for cow-houses and sheds’ - T. Sheehy.
This idea of a respect for specifically Irish buildings was reflected in the restoration of The General Post Office in Dublin that same year. It is the building where the Irish nationalist proclamation of the Republic of Ireland was made on the Easter Monday of 1916. The building was later destroyed in the fighting that followed, but after Ireland won their independence the Post Office was subject to a lavish restoration. In commemoration of the uprising that began there, they placed a statue of Cú Chulainn (A mythical hero who bound himself to a tree to hold his courage in the face of death). There were many buildings, however, that were not subject to such treatment and were simply abandoned. It is widely thought that buildings such as Dublin Castle and the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham were abandoned due their links to British Rule.
Dublin Castle was the seat of British rule in Ireland until 1922 and the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham acted as a refuge for Irish soldiers who had fought in Britain’s colonial wars, and was also where the commander of the British troops in Ireland lived.

To conclude, it seems clear that many Irish nationalists certainly believed in reviving old Irish traditions and history and considered it an important aspect of uniting the Irish people in a common goal of once again becoming their own nation. However it is unknown whether the revival of these past traditions actually achieved these goals and created nationalists, or just attracted people who were already nationalists.
Word Count: 1056

Wikipedia. (2013). Douglas Hyde. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Hyde. Last accessed 27th May 2013.

Laurence, A. (2008). Ireland: The Invention of Tradition. In: The Open University Tradition and Dissent. Milton Keynes: The Open University. p150-190. wikipedia. (2013). Abbey Theatre. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_Theatre. Last accessed 30th May 2013.
Tradition and Dissent, Ireland, 2008. [DVD] The Open University, Milton Keynes: The Open University.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Ireland

...In considering the process of change in the development of Irish nationalism over the whole period 1800-1921, how far can the Easter Rising be seen as a turning point? Nationalism in Ireland is when people increasingly identify with Ireland as their home nation and it also signifies a move away from identification with the British. A turning point would be a single event or individual that led to a great development in nationalism, this being and increase or decrease. The Easter Rising cannot be seen as the main turning point in Irish nationalism. Rather, the development of nationalism can be attributed to a culmination of events spanning over the whole period with each event adding a more solid foundation for changes. Some events that I shall speak about such as the Great Famine laid a much stronger foundation for nationalism due to the great increase in Anglophobia. Whereas other factors such as the Catholic Emancipation Act which showed the Irish Catholic population how they could achieve great change and concessions from the British through a united front. These achievements were limited by the fact that they gave the Irish more power in the British political system, however, they had gained no more power for the Irish political system. Individuals such as Parnell gave nationalism a new face by providing a viable constitutional route to achieving independence through the uniting of the nationalist movements which led to him being the most important turning point. WPRDS:...

Words: 2566 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Ireland

...Choice 1--midlands and Galway Day 1 set out across the middle of the country (County Roscommon) and visit Clonmacnois, an early monastic settlement, and the peat bog where you get a little train ride where a narrator explains about the development of peat bogs, shows you the industrial peat extraction and stops to view the unique flora of a bogland environment. In the area is Birr castle with a wonderful garden. spend the night in the area. Day 2 drive to Galway and explore the city. Spend the night. Day 3 explore the Connemara region--lots of interesting stops along the way--castles, museums, nature viewing, short hikes, etc. Back to Galway for the night. or drive to Rosseveale and take the ferry to Inishmore for the day and return to Galway that night or spend the night on the island and experience music on one of the pubs. Day 4 return to Dublin via the Cliffs of Mohr, Burren, etc. depending o how much time you have. Choice to the southwest Day 1 drive to Kilkenny via Powerscourt and Glendalough. Spend the night in Kilkenny. Day 2 Drive to Killarney and explore the national park, Muckross House, Torc waterfall hike. Spend the night. Day 3 drive the Ring of Kerry and make many stops to explore and take in the view. Day 4 return to Dublin via Cashel choice 4--southeast Day 1 drive to Kilkenny via Glendalough and Powerscourt. spend the night in Kilkenny. Day 2--New Ross via Jerpoint Abbey. visit the Dunbrody famine ship. Drive out to Hookhead...

Words: 371 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Ireland

...Dissatisfaction grew with the failure of Gladstone's land reforms still poor and oppressed by their Protestant Masters Easy prey for violent extremists who tried to whip up anti-English feeling. * Disgruntled Irish Protestants lent their support to the Home Government Association (HGA)  Launched in Dublin by Isaac Butt = Start of the Home Rule for Ireland Movement. * 1873 = HGA became the Home Rule League. * The Strong Home Rule representation in Parliament was a great achievement for Butt  However, the Home Rulers lacked discipline and cohesiveness to ring pressure to Westminster They lacked a strong leader Butt did not possess the dynamism to keep Home Rule at the top of the political agenda  Believed that the Home Rule case would succeed if they were patient After Butt's death, Parnell took over the leadership of the Irish Party in the House of Commons more charismatic and more in favour of action. The Question of Home Rule The Influence of Isaac Butt * Home Rule Movement stemmed from the ideas of Isaac Butt Set up the Home Government Association (HGA) Worked towards a federal solution with a separate parliament in Dublin Ireland could run its own affairs 1874 = Butt replaced the HGA with the Home Rule League Wide-based support among the Irish  1874 General Election = returned 59 Irish MPs on a Home Rule platform Group formed the nucleus of a strong Irish Nationalist/Home Rule Party Actions directed Irish politics...

Words: 835 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

...Conflict Research Perspectives Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland Rhett S. Close HUMN 305, Global Issues Professor Bakkum March 10, 2015 Conflict Research Perspectives Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland “The Troubles” as commonly known to the people of Ireland is the conflict that has been raging between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland since the 1960’s. This conflict has been defined as a religious one between the Republic of Ireland (Catholic) and Northern Ireland (Protestant). The more recognized believe that it is in reference to the political issue of separating from Britain such as the Republic did or staying “loyal to the crown” as Northern Ireland has. The final point is the hostile actions that both sides have committed in defense of their positions (Hammer, 2009). Both sides make arguments to why the other has been the source of the problem. In the following paragraphs, we will look at each side’s arguments and present the facts as they are known. Republic of Ireland The Republic of Ireland has a vivid memory of the ethnic and religious persecution they endured by their British rulers. There has been a long history of violence and discrimination based on the religious choices and their ethnic background. This is a modern example of religious and ethnic bigotry in a first world country. Citizens were afraid to practice their religion or to be affiliated with their home land based on the violence that may occur. A primary...

Words: 673 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Ireland Stereotypes

...Ireland, a country known for their drinking and their celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, is truly much more than those common stereotypes. The country of Ireland was estimated to be founded and settled by humans around 4000 B.C. Later around 300 B.C. is when warriors from the Iron Age started to settle. Those warriors were commonly known as the Celts. The Celts helped create the first official language of Ireland. This would be later known as the Irish language. By the end of the 8th century the Vikings started settling in. After the Vikings settled in that was when Ireland’s capital, Dublin, was founded. Moving forward to the 19th century, a pivotal mark in history occurred. The “War of Independence” against British forces lead to the division...

Words: 814 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ireland Persuasive Essay

...irrational in many forms, I believe that if the people of Ireland wanted to partake in the eating children regularly then they should have their own freedom to do so. To me I would be sickened by it unless I was unaware that I was eating children because that seems like a awful thing to carry out. On the other side, if Jonathan Swift had no problem with it then, who's to say all of Ireland didn’t at the time? no t only would this work if most of Ireland happend to partake in this but it would save most of Ireland the time and the effort required to deal with the amount of needy children. This is important because from what Mr. Swift made it out to be, the overpopulation problem is a big deal during this time....

Words: 594 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Description of Ireland

...The longitude of Ireland extends four degrees, from the meridian of eleven degrees and a half to that of fifteen and a half, and the latitude extends also four degrees, from the parallel of fifty-four degrees to that of fifty-eight degrees. In the geographical description I will follow Cambden as formerly.4 This famous island in the Virginian sea is by old writers called Ierna, Inverna, and Iris, by the old inhabitants Erin, by the old Britains Yuerdhen, by the English at this day Ireland, and by the Irish Bards at this day Banno, in which sense of the Irish word, Avicen calls it the Holy Island; besides, Plutarch of old called it Ogygia, and after him Isidore named it Scotia.5 This Ireland, according to the inhabitants, is divided into two parts, the wild Irish, and the English-Irish, living in the English pale. But of the old kingdoms, five in number, it is divided into five parts. 1. The first is by the Irish called Mowne, by the English Munster, and is subdivided into six counties—of Kerry, of Limerick, of Cork, of Tipperary, of the Holy Cross, and of Waterford—to which the seventh county of Desmond is now added. The Gangavi, a Scythian people, coming into Spain, and from thence into Ireland, inhabited the county of Kerry, full of woody mountains, in which the Earls of Desmond had the dignity of palatines, having their house in Trailes, a little town now almost uninhabited. Not far thence lies p.215 St. Mary Wic, vulgarly called Smerwick, where the Lord Arthur Gray...

Words: 6533 - Pages: 27

Free Essay

Ireland Organization

...for one more year in order to intend a Bachelor with Honours. I really get involved in the system and I met many Irish people during this year, that’s why I would like to extend my experience for an other year to improve as much I can my English skills. I will be mainly surrounded by Irish people and I expect a lot of the year that is coming. At the beginning of the year I didn’t imagine that I will stay here but i met many time the chief of business department and I have the opportunity to follow my studies in Ireland, I don’t want to miss this chance at this stage of my career. Contents Introduction 6 History of Ireland 7 History 7 Geography 15 Irish education system 17 Health care system in Ireland 18 Population 20 Pubs and drinking 22 Religion in Ireland 25 Irish sport and youth society 27 Parliament and government 29 Growth and early industrialisation: 1690 to 1815 30 Economy 31 Policy objective for Irish economy 32 Economy, Ireland becomes a global growth leader 32 Irish Department of Defence Force 36 The defence environment 37 Role of the Defence Forces: 39 Defence Force and the Government: 40 Permanent Defence Force 41 Duties of the chief staff: 42 National and international security framework programme 44 Outputs and targets 45 Defence force programme 45 Contingent capability outputs 46 Aid to the civil power operations 46...

Words: 18722 - Pages: 75

Premium Essay

The Economics of Ireland

...The Economics of Ireland Teresa Sly Rasmussen College Author Note This paper is being submitted on April 10th 2015, for Lisa Reed’s Introduction to Business Course. The Economics of Ireland The economic system of Ireland is regulated Capitalism. Its means of production are privately owned and operated, but the government exercises a level of control over what a person can do with his or her property and how they run a business. The goals of regulated capitalism are to improve product quality, improve working conditions, and to reduce or limit harm done by potentially dangerous substances such as alcohol. State sponsored bodies operate rail and road transport, electricity, and some television and radio stations. The United Nations rated Ireland as the fourth best country in which to live. Ireland is the second wealthiest nation in the world with more than 30,000 millionaires in residence. Irish workers enjoy low taxes on wages. Irish citizens are offered a rebate for eco-friendly cars. The Irish government offers a free education and often pays students to take FAS (Foras Aiseanna Saothair) classes from the National Training and Employment Authority. The Average cost of a 4 year degree in the United States in $26,600.00. Irish citizens enjoy a free prescription drug plan. In the Irish National Health System private medical insurance costs per year, what the average American pays per month. The Irish Economy is not without its challenges. The average...

Words: 387 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Business in Ireland

...With today’s competitive market, we as a manufacturer of computer equipment need to expand our business. As of today, we are in the United States and London, England. Our company could do great things in Ireland. We could provide jobs to hundreds of locals and our business could save millions on shipping costs to Europe. With this expansion, we could not only employ many locals, but bring prosperity to the local economy. Our company could do great things in Ireland, but we first need to know how to do business in this land. In Ireland, much like the US, we always need to arrive on time. Being late is considered inconsiderate and some businessmen see it as an insult. Although, with our business being made up of foreigners, we should give the local Irishman leeway in being late to an appointment due to the fact that the Irish are not very time conscious. They are normally do not arrive any more than fifteen minutes late, if the time exceeds this, you should consider phoning them and rearranging the meeting. The Irish are a very relaxed group of people. This should be considered when conducting business with them. Unlike some cultures, gift giving in Ireland is not needed. If you consider giving a gift, it should only be when negotiations have ended and both parties have approved of the negotiations. If you receive a dinner invite, you are expected to bring a bouquet of flowers, box of chocolates, box of pastries, or a craft item from your home region. A book of...

Words: 917 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ancient Ireland Research Paper

...8000 BC, hunter-gatherers first settled into Ireland. These settlers came from different parts of Europe and Great Britain. For thousands of years, these settlers lived by fishing and hunting until around 4000BC. The settlers gave up their hunter-gatherer way of life and began farming. Sometime around 3000 BC, the offspring of the first settlers of Ireland built monuments and burial mounts such as the most famous Newgrange. Early society in Ireland was pagan. This remained for thousands of years until the early fifth century. This is the time when many Christian missionaries came into Ireland. One missionary included the well-known St. Patrick. The Pagan religion was replaced by Christianity. Around the ninth century, Ireland was invaded by the Vikings. This invasion and attacks lasted for over one-hundred years. Villages and monasteries were the first places invaded by the Vikings. (Abrams 2010) They soon began building settlements. Many of these settlements eventually grew into cities such as Limerick, Wexford, Cork, and the well-known capital of Ireland known as Dublin. Dublin is located right by the River Liffey on the east coast of the province of Leinster. Established as a Viking settlement as previously stated, the Kingdom of Dublin turned into Ireland's...

Words: 3125 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

The Cessation Of Arms: The Battle Of Ireland

...On September 15th, 1643 The Cessation of Arms was signed, which allowed the Irish army whose chief was Marquis of Ormond to join the Royalist army. Ireland would give money troops and other materials to King Charles. While King Charles would give Ireland back land that was previously taken and religious independence. While that was going on also in 1643 the Scots joined Parliament. The Scots stayed away from the English Civil War but eventually Joined Parliament in a treaty called Solemn League and Covenant to form the Presbyterian Parliament. On September 19th , 1643 Royalist and Prince Rupert went to Newbury blocked the roads to London trapping the Parliament and forcing them to fight the battle lasted once again longer than expected and...

Words: 268 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Northen Ireland Conflict

...The conflict in Northern Ireland involves the IRA(Irish Republican Army) and the British. It started in 1923, when the British invaded Northern Ireland because they meant that Ireland should be a part of Great Britain. The IRA’s original goal when this happened was to get all of the British establishments out of Ireland and get up an independent Irish government. In December at the 6th in 1921, the country Ireland was split in two. The free Ireland and the Northern Ireland which were under the control of the British. The IRA removed with this all the British in the south free Ireland by force of arms. In the Northern Ireland the majority of the people were protestants and therefore they didn’t mind that they were under control of the British, if the Northern Ireland became a part of Ireland again the protestants would loose the privileges they had over the Catholics. It became the Unionists VS the Nationalists or the Loyalists VS the Republicans. The Unionists were nonviolent protestants and the Loyalists were the violent one. On the Catholic side, the Nationalist were the nonviolent one and the Republicans were the one that used military arms. Many people were being killed, an at May the 22nd the IRA and the Protestants “loyalists” militias were ordered to surrender all illegal weapons. But in a statement April the 29th the IRA stated the they would not surrender any weapons at all. “There appears to be yet another attempt to resurrect the decommissioning issue as an...

Words: 460 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Reconciliation in Northern Ireland

...Reconciliation: Can it Ever Be Achieved? Northern Ireland has had its fair share of struggles over the years as individuals fight for what they believe is right. It’s a constant battle between the Catholics and the Protestants who never can reach an agreement on matters and have been fighting against one another for centuries. Though many efforts have been made in attempts to resolve the conflict, to this day the issue is still in full force and a sincere agreement has yet to be made. However, individuals are becoming more aware of effective tactics to move closer towards finding a resolution and are working to the best of their ability to achieve such a thing. Peace building and reconciliation have more recently been sought after as tools for achieving a peaceful Ireland. The definitions of both actions though are sometimes defined differently based on an individuals beliefs and background, which could be one flaw in the resolution process for Northern Ireland. According to Hamber and Kelly, peace building is seen differently than peace making. Peace making is simply coming to some form of mutual agreement on a matter and moving forward from there. Peace making, however, has been tried numerous times in Ireland’s past including the Anglo-Irish Treaty, Government of Ireland Act of 1920 and even the Home Rule Act. These truces were put into affect but in the end did not create much of a difference. Peace building is a different approach from the peace making process in regards...

Words: 631 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Norther Ireland Troubles

...1. Make short notes on the role of history: ethnicity and religion, colonization and conquest that relate to the Irish controversy. 2. List the factors that came together to support the Good Friday Agreement. What were the 'sticking points'? 1. Ulster/Ireland: Identity Blur Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth. To its east is the larger island of Great Britain, from which it is separated by the Irish Sea. Politically, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland, which covers just under five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, which covers the remainder and is located in the northeast of the island. The population of Ireland is approximately 6.4 million. Just under 4.6 million live in the Republic of Ireland and just under 1.8 million live in Northern Ireland. (Wikepedia) In 1171, following permission from the Pope Adrian IV; Henry II landed in Ireland on an expansionist expedition. For the church, the ‘bull’ (papal order) encouraged Henry to take control in Ireland in order to oversee the financial and administrative reorganization of the Irish Church and its integration into the Roman Church system. For Britain, this represented an expansion of the empire and their European influence. In the subsequent centuries, Irish and English cultures were deeply intertwined, under the canopy of the Catholic Church. During these...

Words: 1408 - Pages: 6