Irish History Tales - A Chronological History of Ireland from the years 1169 to 1923

Darren Beaming

From the Norman conquest of Ireland, the defiant stand of Hugh O’Neill in the Nine Years War, through the fiery chaos of the 1641 Rebellion, and onto the monumental clashes of the Williamite War, we'll set the stage for an exploration into the heart of Ireland's quest for autonomy. Please join me as I embark on a journey through time, unraveling the intricate web of events leading up to the 1798 Rising, and shed light on the recurring '90s revolutions, before culminating with the Irish Civil War.

  1. 2d ago

    17. The Battle of Limerick 1175: Rory O'Connor, Raymond Le Gros & the Invasion of Thomond

    Following years of devastating warfare, Rory O'Connor made the controversial decision to cooperate with Henry II, allowing Norman forces to march against one of Ireland's most powerful kings, Donal Mór O'Brien of Thomond. Leading the expedition was the brilliant commander Raymond le Gros. Marching deep into enemy territory, the Normans faced a determined defence at the River Shannon before launching a daring assault on Limerick itself. The battle that followed would become one of the most remarkable military operations of the early conquest. In this episode, we examine the political alliance between Rory O'Connor and the Normans, the invasion of Thomond, the famous crossing of the Shannon, the capture of Limerick, and the campaign's lasting consequences for both the Norman colony and Gaelic Ireland. We also separate the contemporary evidence from later tradition to explore what really happened during one of the most debated campaigns of the twelfth century. Was this a decisive Norman victory, or merely a temporary success in a war that was far from over? Join me as we continue our chronological journey through the Norman Conquest of Ireland.

    17. The Battle of Limerick 1175: Rory O'Connor, Raymond Le Gros & the Invasion of Thomond

  2. Jul 15

    16. The Great Gaelic Army (Host) of 1174: The Burning of Trim & the March on Dublin

    In this episode, the Norman Conquest of Ireland reaches one of its greatest turning points. With the Norman colony weakened after the disasters of Thurles and Waterford, Rory O'Connor assembles one of the largest Gaelic coalitions of the entire invasion. Rather than marching directly on Dublin, the High King launches a devastating campaign through Meath, destroying Norman strongholds and burning the great timber fortress at Trim in an attempt to break the frontier before striking the capital. Meanwhile, across the Irish Sea, Raymond le Gros answers Strongbow's desperate plea for help. Returning with a small but highly disciplined force, his arrival restores Norman morale just as the conquest appears on the verge of collapse. As news of Raymond's return spreads through Ireland, Rory O'Connor faces a crucial decision that may alter the course of Irish history. Was this the moment the Normans could have been driven from Ireland forever? In this episode, we cover: • The Great Gaelic Army of 1174: How Rory O'Connor assembled one of the largest coalitions of the conquest.• Why Meath, Not Dublin?: The strategy behind attacking the Norman frontier before the capital itself.• The Burning of Trim: How the destruction of Hugh de Lacy's great timber fortress shook Norman confidence.• Raymond le Gros Returns: The arrival of the commander who once again transformed Norman morale.• The March on Dublin: Why Rory's army advanced to the outskirts of the Norman capital before withdrawing.• The Missed Opportunity: Did Rory O'Connor miss his final chance to destroy the Norman colony, or was withdrawal the wisest military decision? With Henry II's great rebellion finally over and both sides exhausted by years of war, the stage is now set for one of the most important political settlements in medieval Irish history—the Treaty of Windsor.

    16. The Great Gaelic Army (Host) of 1174: The Burning of Trim & the March on Dublin

  3. Jul 8

    15. The Waterford Rebellion of 1174: The Normans on the Brink of Defeat

    In this episode, the Norman Conquest of Ireland reaches perhaps its most dangerous moment. Following the disastrous campaign at Thurles, Strongbow retreats to Waterford believing he has reached safety. Instead, he finds his authority collapsing around him. Inspired by the Norman defeat, the Ostmen of Waterford rise in rebellion, killing much of the English garrison and forcing Strongbow into one of the darkest periods of his entire career. As the city descends into chaos, we examine the conflicting medieval accounts surrounding Strongbow's movements. Did he remain trapped inside Waterford, or did he secretly flee by night to the island of Inis Teimle on the River Suir? We also explore the fascinating evidence surrounding Raymond le Gros, whose relationship with Strongbow may have been far more complicated than the traditional story suggests. Meanwhile, across Ireland, Rory O'Connor recognises that the Normans have never been weaker. As Strongbow desperately sends for Raymond, the High King begins assembling a great coalition of Gaelic kings for one final attempt to drive the invaders from Ireland. In this episode, we cover: • The Aftermath of Thurles: How Strongbow's defeat shattered Norman prestige across Ireland.• The Waterford Rebellion: Why the Ostmen rose against the Norman occupiers and nearly reclaimed the city.• Strongbow's Retreat: The mystery surrounding his withdrawal to Waterford and the island of Inis Teimle.• The Raymond le Gros Debate: Did later chroniclers confuse two separate recalls and appointments as Constable of Leinster?• A Desperate Appeal: Why Strongbow had no choice but to turn once again to Raymond le Gros.• Rory O'Connor's Great Hosting: The coalition of Gaelic kings that prepared to march on Meath and ultimately threaten Dublin itself. With the Norman colony on the brink of collapse, the fate of the conquest now hangs in the balance.

    15. The Waterford Rebellion of 1174: The Normans on the Brink of Defeat

  4. Jul 1

    14: The Battle of Thurles: Strongbow's Greatest Defeat in Ireland

    Episode 14 of Irish History Tales explores the Battle of Thurles in 1174, one of the greatest Norman defeats of the early conquest of Ireland. Following the Gaelic rebellions of 1173, Strongbow returns to Ireland determined to restore Norman authority and punish Donal Mór O’Brien of Thomond. But with Raymond Le Gros absent after the death of his father, Strongbow marches west without his most capable commander. The episode examines why Strongbow targeted Thomond, the role of Donal Mór O’Brien and Rory O’Connor, and the alliance between Thomond and Connacht. It also explores the involvement of Dublin’s Ostmen militia, who marched south to reinforce Strongbow but were ambushed near Thurles before they could reach him. Drawing on Gerald of Wales and the Irish annals, we examine the conflicting accounts of the battle, the heavy casualties suffered by the Normans and Ostmen, and why Strongbow abandoned the campaign and withdrew to Waterford. The Battle of Thurles proved that the Normans could be beaten. It damaged Strongbow’s prestige, boosted Gaelic morale, and helped trigger a wider uprising against Norman rule in Ireland.

    14: The Battle of Thurles: Strongbow's Greatest Defeat in Ireland

  5. Jun 24

    13: The Norman Mutiny: Raymond Le Gros & the Naval Battle of Dungarvan

    In this episode, the Norman Conquest of Ireland hangs in the balance once again. With Henry II's trust restored, Strongbow returns to Ireland to suppress the Gaelic uprisings that have swept across the island. But his first decision proves disastrous. Refusing both the office of Constable and the hand of his sister Basillia to his most talented commander, Raymond Le Gros, Strongbow triggers a crisis that nearly destroys the Norman army from within. As unpaid troops threaten mutiny, Strongbow is forced to recall Raymond, whose return restores morale and revives the Norman war effort. Yet Raymond's brutal campaign of plunder brings new dangers, alienating even those Gaelic rulers who had remained loyal to Henry II. Meanwhile, one of the most unusual episodes of the conquest unfolds. A Norman flotilla sailing down the Blackwater River is intercepted by a Norse-Gaelic fleet, leading to one of the few recorded naval battles of medieval Ireland. The clash off Dungarvan ends in a dramatic Norman victory and highlights the continuing power of the Ostmen communities along Ireland's southern coast. But just as Strongbow prepares to invade Thomond and punish Donal Mór O'Brien, Raymond Le Gros departs Ireland once again. Strongbow decides to continue without his most capable commander, a decision that will soon have grave consequences. In this episode, we cover: • Strongbow's Return: How service to Henry II restored Strongbow's position in Ireland. • The Raymond Le Gros Crisis: Why Strongbow refused his most successful commander. • The Norman Mutiny: How unpaid troops threatened to abandon the conquest. • Raymond's Campaign of Plunder: The raids that restored morale but alienated loyal Gaelic kings. • The Naval Battle off Dungarvan: One of the few documented sea battles of the Norman conquest. • The Road to Thomond & the Battle of Thurles

    13: The Norman Mutiny: Raymond Le Gros & the Naval Battle of Dungarvan

  6. Jun 19 ·  Bonus

    1.B: Strongbow before Ireland - The Early Life of Richard De Clare (Bonus Episode)

    In this first Irish History Tales showcase biography, we step away from the main narrative to explore the early life of Richard de Clare, better known to history as Strongbow. Long before the conquest of Ireland, the marriage to Aoife MacMurrough, and the capture of Dublin, Richard was a young Norman noble growing up in the turbulent world of the Welsh Marches. The episode examines Strongbow's powerful family background, his upbringing during the English civil war known as The Anarchy, and the complicated relationship between the de Clare family and the future King Henry II. We explore the origins of the famous "Strongbow" nickname, the military frontier culture of Norman Wales, and the political and financial difficulties that left Richard searching for opportunity. Along the way, we meet key figures including Gilbert de Clare, Elizabeth de Beaumont, Empress Matilda, King Stephen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Owain Gwynedd, and Rhys ap Gruffydd. We also examine medieval descriptions of Strongbow himself and discuss how later generations transformed him into one of the most famous figures of the Norman age. As Richard de Clare's fortunes decline and his relationship with Henry II remains uncertain, events are unfolding across the Irish Sea that will change his life forever.

    1.B: Strongbow before Ireland - The Early Life of Richard De Clare (Bonus Episode)

  7. Jun 17

    12: The Gaelic Resistance: Donal Mor O'Brien, Donal Kavanagh & the Great Revolt

    Episode 12 of Irish History Tales explores the Great Revolt of 1173–1174 and the profound impact it had on the Norman Conquest of Ireland. While Henry II battles rebellion across his Angevin Empire including revolts led by his own sons, the intervention of King Louis VII of France, and the invasion of England by William the Lion of Scotland, makes the Norman position in Ireland suddenly vulnerable. The episode examines how Henry's crisis forced Strongbow and Hugh de Lacy to divert men and resources away from Ireland, creating an opportunity for Gaelic resistance. We follow Donal Mór O'Brien's offensive against Norman positions around Kilkenny, and the growing instability facing the Norman settlements. We also explore the fascinating story of Donal Kavanagh, son of Dermot MacMurrough. Once an ally of Strongbow, Donal breaks with the Normans and emerges as a leading figure in the Gaelic resistance, launching devastating attacks against Norman settlements in Leinster. Along the way, we examine the deaths of Murchad MacMurrough and Tiernan O'Rourke, and consider how these events may have influenced Donal's changing attitude towards Norman rule. As Henry II fights for survival overseas and Gaelic rulers seize the initiative at home, the future of Ireland looks remarkably uncertain. For the first time since the arrival of the Normans, it appears possible that the conquest could be reversed.

    12: The Gaelic Resistance: Donal Mor O'Brien, Donal Kavanagh & the Great Revolt

  8. Jun 10

    11: The Conquest of Meath: Hugh de Lacy & the Last Days of Tiernan O'Rourke

    Episode 11 explores the rise of Hugh de Lacy and the Norman conquest of Meath following King Henry II’s departure from Ireland in 1172. Determined to prevent Strongbow from becoming too powerful, Henry grants the vast and strategically important Kingdom of Meath to his trusted lieutenant Hugh de Lacy, creating a new Norman lordship at the very heart of Ireland. The episode examines why Meath was one of the most valuable kingdoms in Gaelic Ireland, the Norman strategy of castle building and colonisation, and the growing rivalry between Hugh de Lacy and Strongbow. We also explore the weakening authority of Rory O’Connor as High King, the collapse of the great anti-Norman coalition, and the continued political manoeuvring of powerful rulers such as Tiernan O'Rourke. At the centre of the story is the dramatic confrontation between Hugh de Lacy and Tiernan O’Rourke, King of Bréifne. Drawing on both Norman and Gaelic sources, we examine the disputed meeting at the Hill of Ward, the controversial death of O’Rourke, and the very different versions of events preserved by medieval chroniclers. The episode concludes with the death of one of the most important Gaelic kings of the age and explores how his killing marked a major escalation in tensions between the Normans and the Irish.

    11: The Conquest of Meath: Hugh de Lacy & the Last Days of Tiernan O'Rourke
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From the Norman conquest of Ireland, the defiant stand of Hugh O’Neill in the Nine Years War, through the fiery chaos of the 1641 Rebellion, and onto the monumental clashes of the Williamite War, we'll set the stage for an exploration into the heart of Ireland's quest for autonomy. Please join me as I embark on a journey through time, unraveling the intricate web of events leading up to the 1798 Rising, and shed light on the recurring '90s revolutions, before culminating with the Irish Civil War.

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