1722 – Thomas Burgh and Richard Stewart receive funding for their colliery in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.
The Irish Parliament grants £2,000 to MPs Thomas Burgh and Richard Stewart as part of an £8,000 investment in their colliery at Ballycastle, County Antrim. The project aims to boost the coal industry in Ireland, reflecting early industrial efforts in the country.
1782 – The right of habeas corpus is introduced in Ireland.
Habeas corpus, a fundamental legal protection against unlawful detention, is introduced in Ireland. This change aligns Irish legal practice more closely with that of Britain and represents a step toward establishing stronger individual rights under the law.
1820 – Irish emigrants depart from Cork for Cape Colony.
Two ships, East Indian and Fanny, leave Cork carrying around 350 Irish emigrants to Cape Colony (modern-day South Africa). These settlers, known as the “1820 settlers,” were part of a British plan to populate and secure its colonial holdings.
1848 – John Mitchel publishes the first issue of The United Irishman.
Irish nationalist John Mitchel launches The United Irishman, a radical newspaper advocating for Irish independence. The publication becomes a significant voice in the Young Ireland movement, calling for resistance against British rule.
1867 – A Fenian attempt to seize Chester Castle fails.
A group of Fenians attempts to capture Chester Castle in England, aiming to seize weapons and incite rebellion against British rule in Ireland. The plan fails due to leaked intelligence, leading to arrests and heightened tensions in Irish revolutionary circles.
1920 – Séamus O’Brien is killed in an IRA attack in Wicklow.
Séamus O’Brien, commander of the IRA’s Wicklow Brigade, is shot dead during an attack on a Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) patrol in Rathdrum, County Wicklow. His death occurs amid the escalating violence of the Irish War of Independence.
1922 – The Clones Affray results in five fatalities.
A violent confrontation occurs at Clones railway station in County Monaghan between IRA volunteers and Ulster Special Constabulary members traveling to Belfast. The gun battle results in five deaths, reflecting the deepening divisions in Ireland during the lead-up to the Civil War.
1923 – James Chichester-Clark is born.
James Chichester-Clark, future Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (1969–1971), is born in Castledawson, County Derry/Londonderry. His tenure is marked by the onset of the Troubles, during which he struggles to manage growing civil unrest.
1926 – Fianna Fáil is founded.
Éamon de Valera and his supporters establish Fianna Fáil, a political party that would dominate Irish politics for much of the 20th century. The party is created as a breakaway from Sinn Féin and becomes known for its nationalist and republican ideals.
1930 – The first Free State Censorship Board is appointed.
The Irish Free State establishes its first Censorship Board, tasked with reviewing books, films, and publications for material deemed offensive or immoral. The board plays a major role in shaping Irish cultural and literary expression for decades.
1939 – Ireland recognizes Franco’s government in Spain.
The Irish government formally recognizes the regime of General Francisco Franco in Spain. This move reflects Ireland’s policy of neutrality and its complex diplomatic stance in the years leading up to World War II.
1945 – Gaelic footballer Jimmy Keaveney is born.
Dublin footballer Jimmy Keaveney, one of the greatest players in the history of Gaelic football, is born. He plays a crucial role in Dublin’s dominance during the 1970s, winning multiple All-Ireland titles.
1949 – Rugby player Fergus Slattery is born.
Irish rugby star Fergus Slattery is born in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin. He goes on to captain the national team and play a key role in Ireland’s success in international rugby during the 1970s.
| 1963 – The Beatles perform in Dublin. The Beatles play their only Irish concerts at the Adelphi Cinema in Dublin, marking Ireland’s connection to the emerging global youth culture. The performance is met with fan hysteria, showcasing the band’s early popularity. |  |
1971 – Ballad singer Delia Murphy dies.
Delia Murphy, one of Ireland’s most beloved folk singers, passes away. She is best known for popularizing traditional Irish ballads and influencing later generations of musicians.
1976 – Frank Stagg dies on hunger strike.
Irish republican Frank Stagg dies on hunger strike in an English prison while protesting against British rule in Northern Ireland. His death fuels tensions between Irish nationalists and the British government.
1989 – Patrick Finucane is murdered.
Belfast solicitor Patrick Finucane is shot dead in his home by Loyalist paramilitaries. Finucane had represented republican prisoners, and his murder sparks allegations of British security force collusion.
1992 – Charles Haughey resigns as Taoiseach.
Following internal party pressure and controversy, Charles Haughey steps down as Taoiseach and is succeeded by Albert Reynolds. Haughey’s resignation marks the end of a long and divisive political career.
1998 – The IRA insists its ceasefire is still in place.
Despite ongoing violence and speculation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) asserts that its ceasefire remains intact. This statement comes amid the fragile peace process leading to the Good Friday Agreement.
1998 – Ireland’s economy is confirmed as one of Europe’s strongest.
Economic reports show that Ireland has one of Europe’s top-performing economies, surpassing Germany and France in global competitiveness. This is a key moment in the country’s “Celtic Tiger” economic boom.
1999 – President Mary McAleese meets Pope John Paul II.
During a private meeting at the Vatican, President Mary McAleese states that Pope John Paul II is considering a return visit to Ireland. This news excites many Irish Catholics who fondly remember his 1979 visit.
1999 – John B. Keane announces his return to writing.
Renowned Irish writer John B. Keane reveals that he has resumed writing after a four-year hiatus due to illness. Keane is famous for works such as The Field and Big Maggie.
1999 – Gerry Adams predicts a united Ireland within 15 years.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams controversially claims that Northern Ireland is moving toward a united Ireland within 15 years. His statement sparks a major political debate.
2002 – Ireland moves toward stricter smoking bans.
Health Minister Micheál Martin announces plans to further restrict smoking in pubs, despite strong opposition from publicans. These efforts lead to Ireland becoming one of the first countries to implement a full smoking ban in public places.
2002 – Irish filmmakers and Enya receive Oscar nominations.
Two Dublin film companies are nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Animated Short Film category, and singer Enya is nominated for Best Original Song for May It Be from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
2003 – Irish musicians protest U.S. military use of Shannon Airport.
More than 50 prominent Irish musicians sign an open letter urging the government to stop allowing U.S. military aircraft to refuel at Shannon Airport, citing opposition to the Iraq War.
2003 – A mystery artist’s work is exhibited at IMMA.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) exhibits 24 paintings by a mysterious artist known only as “John the Painter.” The artist has spent over 30 years in psychiatric care in Cork.
2003 – Talks between the Irish and British governments conclude.
Discussions between the Taoiseach, the British Prime Minister, and Northern Ireland’s political leaders wrap up at Hillsborough Castle, reflecting ongoing efforts to stabilize the peace process.
2013 – House burned down amid Traveller accommodation controversy.
A house in County Donegal is set on fire just weeks after political criticism over a plan to house a family of 13 Travellers there. The incident highlights deep-seated tensions over Traveller rights in Ireland.
2014 – Donald Trump buys Doonbeg golf resort.
Billionaire property developer Donald Trump purchases the luxury Doonbeg golf and hotel complex in County Clare, renaming it Trump International Golf Links, Ireland. His investment sparks mixed reactions in Ireland.