1629 – Valentine Greatrakes, known as the ‘touch doctor,’ is born in Affane, Co. Waterford.
Valentine Greatrakes gained fame in the 17th century for his supposed ability to cure diseases through touch. His healing practices attracted widespread attention, with many believing he possessed miraculous powers. Though controversial, his methods were linked to the long-standing belief in the “King’s touch” as a remedy for illness.
1700 – A subsidy is authorized to Louis Crommellin for establishing a linen industry.
French Huguenot Louis Crommellin receives government support to develop Ireland’s linen industry. His expertise in textile production helps transform Ulster into a major hub for linen manufacturing, strengthening the region’s economy and trade.
1792 – John Field gives his first public performance at the Rotunda in Dublin.
John Field, an Irish composer and pianist, debuts in Dublin, marking the start of a career that will shape European classical music. Credited with pioneering the nocturne, his influence extends to composers such as Chopin.
1853 – The Queen Victoria sinks in a storm off Howth, with the loss of 55 lives.
Caught in severe weather near Howth, County Dublin, the Queen Victoria paddle steamer is wrecked, resulting in the deaths of 55 passengers and crew. The disaster highlights the dangers of 19th-century maritime travel.
1856 – Frank Harris, writer and journalist, is born in Galway.
Frank Harris becomes a well-known journalist, editor, and writer, infamous for his scandalous autobiography My Life and Loves. His bold personality and controversial views make him a polarizing figure in literary circles.
1878 – Daniel Corkery, writer and critic, is born in Cork.
Daniel Corkery emerges as a key advocate for Irish culture and literature. His book The Hidden Ireland explores Gaelic literary traditions and influences generations of Irish writers and scholars.
1895 – Oscar Wilde’s libel case against the Marquess of Queensberry begins.
Oscar Wilde sues the Marquess of Queensberry for libel after being accused of homosexuality, then a criminal offense. The case backfires, leading to Wilde’s arrest, trial, and imprisonment, marking a tragic turn in his literary career.
1895 – Revolutionary Seán Treacy is born in Tipperary.
A leading figure in the Irish War of Independence, Seán Treacy plays a key role in the Soloheadbeg ambush, considered the war’s first engagement. He is later killed in a dramatic gunfight in Dublin in 1920.
1920 – An IRA unit captures the RIC barracks at Ballytrain, County Monaghan.
Led by Eoin O’Duffy and Ernie O’Malley, an IRA unit successfully seizes the Royal Irish Constabulary barracks in Ballytrain. The raid provides valuable arms and boosts morale in the War of Independence.
1921 – IRA prisoners escape from Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin.
Ernie O’Malley, Frank Teeling, and Simon Donnelly break out of Kilmainham Gaol in a daring escape. Their successful flight from captivity is a propaganda victory for the IRA during the War of Independence.
1921 – IRA prisoners escape from Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin.
Ernie O’Malley, Frank Teeling, and Simon Donnelly break out of Kilmainham Gaol in a daring escape. Their successful flight from captivity is a propaganda victory for the IRA during the War of Independence.
1951 – Alan Shatter, Fine Gael politician, is born in Dublin.
Alan Shatter later serves as Minister for Justice and Minister for Defence, advocating for progressive legal reforms. His work in family law and immigration policy sparks both support and controversy.
| 1981 – Forty-eight young people die in a fire at the Stardust Ballroom in Dublin. A devastating fire sweeps through the Stardust nightclub in Artane, killing 48 and injuring over 100. The tragedy sparks decades of legal battles and public outcry over safety standards and accountability. |  |
1981 – Republican prisoners in Long Kesh begin planning a new hunger strike.
Following the failure of the 1980 hunger strike, Republican prisoners at Long Kesh Prison start planning another protest. The 1981 hunger strike, led by Bobby Sands, becomes a defining moment in Irish political history.
1999 – The Provisional IRA announces an end to ‘rough justice’.
As part of efforts to support the Northern Ireland peace process, the Provisional IRA halts its practice of administering punishment beatings and shootings. The move is seen as a step toward political normalization.
2000 – Four Irish soldiers die in a road accident in South Lebanon.
While serving in a UN peacekeeping mission, four Irish soldiers are killed in a tragic accident. Their deaths highlight the dangers faced by Irish troops on international missions.
2000 – Castlecove, County Kerry, wins two prizes in the Nations in Bloom competition.
The small village of Castlecove earns international recognition at the Nations in Bloom competition in Japan, beating cities such as Lisbon and Toronto. The award celebrates excellence in environmental sustainability and community development.
2000 – Irish and British governments finalize a joint strategy for Northern Ireland.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair reach an agreement on resolving political deadlock in Northern Ireland. The plan aims to maintain momentum in the peace process amid ongoing tensions.
2000 – Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams warns of a deepening political crisis.
Amid difficulties in implementing the Good Friday Agreement, Gerry Adams describes the situation in Northern Ireland as “the worst crisis of a crisis-ridden process.” His statement reflects growing uncertainty in the peace talks.
2001 – The Ulster Defence Association denies involvement in pipe bomb attacks.
As Northern Ireland experiences a surge in sectarian pipe bomb attacks, the Loyalist paramilitary group UDA publicly denies any responsibility. The attacks fuel fears of renewed violence in the region.
2001 – President Mary McAleese presents Gaisce gold medals to young achievers.
At a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, President McAleese honors 55 young people from 17 different countries with the prestigious Gaisce gold medal. The award recognizes excellence in leadership, community service, and personal development.
2002 – Pregnant women are warned to avoid sheep at lambing time.
The Irish government advises pregnant women to avoid contact with sheep during lambing season due to the risk of infection. Certain diseases transmitted by sheep can pose serious health risks to expectant mothers and their babies.
2002 – The Bishop of Killaloe supports the ordination of women priests.
Dr. Willie Walsh, Bishop of Killaloe, expresses support for women’s ordination in the Catholic Church. His statement comes amid growing concerns over an aging and declining priesthood in Ireland.
2003 – A rail workers’ strike disrupts train services in Cork.
A sudden strike by the National Bus and Rail Workers Union halts all services from Kent Station for several hours, causing travel chaos. The industrial action highlights ongoing disputes over pay and conditions in Ireland’s transport sector.
2013 – Businessman Denis O’Brien wins a defamation case against the Irish Daily Mail.
Denis O’Brien is awarded €150,000 in damages after successfully suing the Irish Daily Mail. The case is significant as the first in Ireland to use the defense of honest opinion under the Defamation Act 2009.
2018 – A three-year-old girl dies following an alleged assault in Dublin.
A tragic case of suspected child abuse shakes Ireland when a young girl is found critically injured at her home in Dublin. She later dies in hospital, prompting a nationwide discussion on child protection laws.