1169 The Norman invasion that changed Ireland forever.

The Norman invasion of Ireland began in 1169, marking a turning point in Irish history. It all started when Dermot MacMurrough, the deposed King of Leinster, sought help from the Normans to reclaim his throne. He secured the support of Richard de Clare, also known as Strongbow, a powerful Anglo-Norman lord.

In May 1169, the first wave of Norman, Welsh, and Flemish soldiers landed in Wexford, swiftly capturing the town. By 1170, Strongbow himself arrived with a larger force, conquering Waterford and Dublin. With these victories, MacMurrough regained power, but his death in 1171 led to Strongbow declaring himself the ruler of Leinster.

King Henry II of England, wary of Norman expansion in Ireland, arrived in 1171 and asserted English control. Many Norman lords pledged loyalty to him, leading to the establishment of the Lordship of Ireland under English rule. Over time, the Normans integrated into Irish society, but their arrival marked the beginning of centuries of English influence in Ireland.

The Norman invasion reshaped Irish politics, land ownership, and culture, leaving a lasting impact still visible today.

Hashtags:
#NormanInvasion #IrishHistory #MedievalIreland #Strongbow #Normans #HistoryFacts #Ireland #MiddleAges #CelticHistory #Wexford