1542 – The Parliament of Ireland re-enacts the Crown of Ireland Act.
The Irish Parliament meets in Limerick and re-enacts the Crown of Ireland Act, declaring King Henry VIII and his heirs as Kings of Ireland. This extends English control over Munster and Connacht, solidifying the monarchy’s authority across the island.
| 1782 – The first Dungannon Convention calls for an independent Irish parliament. The Ulster Volunteers, a militia originally formed for defense, meet in Dungannon to demand legislative independence for Ireland. Henry Grattan, a leading advocate of Irish self-rule, continues to push for parliamentary reform. |  |
1793 – A third convention of Dungannon is held.
Another gathering of Volunteers from Ulster takes place, emphasizing the growing nationalist sentiment and the movement toward greater Irish self-governance.
1794 – The United Irishmen publish a plan for parliamentary reform.
The United Irishmen propose a radical plan advocating universal male suffrage, equal electoral districts, and the secret ballot. Their proposals challenge the Protestant Ascendancy and British rule, intensifying tensions.
1799 – Michael Dwyer escapes from a gun battle in Glen of Imaal.
United Irishman rebel leader Michael Dwyer evades capture after a fierce firefight with British troops at Miley Connell’s cottage in County Wicklow. His guerrilla tactics allow him to resist British forces for several years.
1808 – The foundation stone for Nelson’s Pillar is laid in Dublin.
A monument to British Admiral Horatio Nelson is erected on Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street). The pillar stands for over 150 years before being destroyed in a bombing in 1966.
1850 – Sophie Bryant, Irish patriot and women’s rights advocate, is born.
A pioneering educator and mathematician, Bryant becomes a strong advocate for women’s education and Irish nationalism. She plays a key role in promoting social reform in Ireland.
1853 – A steamship disaster occurs off Howth Head.
The City of Dublin Steam Packet Company vessel, inbound from Liverpool, sinks in a snowstorm near Baily Lighthouse. More than 80 people lose their lives in the tragedy, leading to increased focus on maritime safety.
1874 – Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton is born in Kilkea, Co. Kildare.
One of the most renowned explorers of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, Shackleton leads multiple expeditions to the South Pole, becoming famous for his leadership and survival skills.
1901 – Brendan Bracken, British Minister of Information, is born.
Born in Templemore, Co. Tipperary, Bracken rises to prominence as a politician and publisher. He becomes a key advisor to Winston Churchill and plays a major role in British wartime propaganda.
1946 – Clare Short, British Labour politician, is born in Co. Armagh.
A prominent political figure, Short later serves as Secretary of State for International Development, gaining attention for her strong stance on social justice and her opposition to the Iraq War.
1948 – A plan for Ireland’s first inter-party government is drawn up.
At the Mansion House in Dublin, political leaders devise a strategy that leads to John A. Costello becoming Taoiseach. This marks a turning point in Irish politics, paving the way for the Republic of Ireland Act in 1949.
1956 – Owen Sheehy-Skeffington calls for an end to corporal punishment for girls.
A vocal human rights advocate and senator, Sheehy-Skeffington campaigns against physical punishment in Irish schools, challenging deeply ingrained disciplinary practices.
1966 – John McGahern loses his teaching job over his novel The Dark.
The acclaimed Irish writer is dismissed from Clontarf National School due to the perceived “indecencies” in his book. His case highlights Ireland’s strict censorship laws and conservative attitudes.
1971 – Ireland switches to decimal currency.
The traditional pounds, shillings, and pence system is replaced with a modern decimal system, making transactions simpler and aligning Ireland’s economy with international standards.
1995 – English football hooligans riot at Lansdowne Road.
Violence erupts during a friendly match between Ireland and England, forcing the game to be abandoned. With Ireland leading 1-0, English hooligans cause widespread disorder, leading to over 70 injuries.
1998 – Martin McGuinness warns of IRA ceasefire risks.
Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness suggests that if his party is expelled from the Northern Peace talks in Dublin, the IRA ceasefire could be jeopardized. His statement reflects the fragile state of peace negotiations.
2000 – The IRA withdraws from decommissioning talks.
In a setback for the Northern Ireland peace process, the IRA pulls out of discussions on disarmament, raising concerns about the future of the Good Friday Agreement.
2001 – Belfast health workers protest against loyalist threats.
Over 100 members of the health service union Unison stage protests at the Mater Hospital following death threats from loyalist terror groups. The demonstrations highlight ongoing paramilitary intimidation.
2002 – Irish pop group Six tops the charts.
Winners of the reality TV show Popstars, Six debut at No. 1 in the Irish charts with There’s A Whole Lot of Loving Going On, reflecting the growing popularity of reality television-generated music acts.
2008 – Trinity College Dublin graduates its first students with intellectual disabilities.
Nineteen students complete a pioneering two-year program aimed at increasing inclusion in higher education. The initiative marks a milestone in promoting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
2017 – Taoiseach Enda Kenny reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to the EU.
In a major Brexit speech, Kenny dismisses suggestions that Ireland should follow Britain out of the European Union, emphasizing the economic and political benefits of EU membership.
2020 – The Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality holds its first hearings.
Meeting in Malahide, the assembly discusses issues such as the gender pay gap, parental leave, and women’s representation in leadership, contributing to ongoing discussions on gender equality in Ireland.
2025 – Anne Marie McAleese presents her final edition of Your Place And Mine.
After hosting BBC Radio Ulster’s popular community-focused program since 1991, McAleese steps down, marking the end of an era for local radio storytelling in Northern Ireland.