1592 – The Foundation of Trinity College Dublin
The foundation stone of Trinity College Dublin was laid by the Mayor of Dublin. The college, established by Queen Elizabeth I, became Ireland’s most prestigious university, playing a central role in education and research throughout Irish history.
1784 – A Reform Bill in the Irish House of Commons
A Reform Bill was introduced in the Irish House of Commons, aiming to expand representation and address grievances within the Irish political system. This was part of a broader movement for reform that ultimately led to greater legislative independence for Ireland in the late 18th century.
1791 – The Publication of The Rights of Man
Thomas Paine’s The Rights of Man (Part 1), written in response to Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France, was published. The book was widely read in Ireland, influencing the United Irishmen and their push for democratic reforms and independence from British rule.
| 1846 – The Ballinlass Evictions One of the most notorious evictions of the Great Famine took place when 300 tenants were forcibly removed from their homes in Ballinlass, County Galway. Their houses were burned down to prevent their return, highlighting the brutal enforcement of landlord power during Ireland’s worst humanitarian crisis. |  |
1856 – Birth of Patrick Nally
Patrick Nally, an athlete and member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, was born in County Mayo. He was a key figure in the development of Gaelic sports, inspiring the formation of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in 1884. His involvement in nationalist politics led to his imprisonment, where he died under suspicious circumstances.
1888 – Birth of Patrick Moran
Patrick Moran, an Irish nationalist involved in the Easter Rising, was born in Roscommon. He was arrested for alleged involvement in an assassination plot during the War of Independence and was executed in 1921, becoming a martyr for the republican cause.
1921 – Protest at Mountjoy Prison
Women gathered outside Mountjoy Prison in Dublin in protest before the execution of six Irish republicans. These executions, part of British efforts to suppress the War of Independence, fueled public outrage and increased support for the republican movement.
1922 – Premiere of Back to Methuselah
George Bernard Shaw’s play Back to Methuselah premiered at the Old Garrick Theatre in New York. The five-part work, blending philosophy and drama, explored human potential and the idea of evolution, reflecting Shaw’s lifelong interest in social and political change.
1939 – Publication of At Swim-Two-Birds
Flann O’Brien’s novel At Swim-Two-Birds was published, marking a groundbreaking moment in Irish literature. The book, known for its metafictional style and humor, was later recognized as one of the greatest English-language novels of the 20th century.
1944 – Churchill’s Travel Ban on Ireland
Winston Churchill imposed a ban on travel and communication between Britain and Ireland, both north and south. This was part of broader wartime security measures, as Ireland remained neutral during World War II, a stance that frustrated British officials.
1959 – Reissue of At Swim-Two-Birds
At Swim-Two-Birds was republished after being out of print for two decades. The novel gained a new audience and was later listed among Time Magazine’s top 100 English-language novels.
1960 – Birth of Adam Clayton
Adam Clayton, bassist for the Irish rock band U2, was born in Oxford. He became an integral part of the band’s sound and success, helping U2 achieve international fame with albums like The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby.
1962 – Irish Artists Entertain UN Troops
A group of Irish artists departed from Dublin Airport to perform for United Nations troops stationed in the Congo. Ireland had contributed peacekeeping forces to the conflict, and this cultural mission aimed to boost the morale of the soldiers abroad.
1962 – Death of Anne Acheson
Anne Acheson, a renowned Irish sculptor, passed away. She was celebrated for her pioneering work in medical sculpture, particularly in the development of plaster splints used during World War I.
2000 – National Tree Week in Ireland
National Tree Week concluded with the planting of 5,000 trees at Corkagh Park in Clondalkin. The initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness and the importance of reforestation in Ireland.
2001 – Foot-and-Mouth Disease Crisis
The United States and Canada banned Irish food imports due to concerns over foot-and-mouth disease. This decision had a devastating impact on the Irish agricultural sector, leading to an estimated loss of £100 million.
2001 – Investigation of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Northern Ireland
Department of Agriculture vets investigated a suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease in Northern Ireland. Though the outbreak was contained, fears of its spread led to strict biosecurity measures across the country.
2014 – Death of Edward Haughey
Edward Haughey, Baron Ballyedmond, an entrepreneur and former politician, died in a helicopter crash. As one of Northern Ireland’s wealthiest individuals, he played a significant role in business and politics, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.