336: Ireland: Celts, Conquest and Cromwell

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland are joined by Professor Paul Rouse to discuss the road to the Easter Rising, delving into the complex and often misunderstood history of Anglo-Irish relations. Beginning with a reading of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, the discussion spans from ancient Irish history and mythology, through Viking influences, the Norman invasion led by Strongbow, and the Tudor conquest and religious reformation. They explore the impact of colonization, the role of religion in shaping Irish identity, the brutal campaigns of Cromwell, and the Battle of the Boyne, highlighting key figures and events that fueled Irish nationalism and set the stage for future conflicts, including the Act of Union.