943 – Murchertach, “the Hector of the West,” is slain in battle against the Danes at Ardee.
Murchertach mac Néill, a powerful Uí Néill king, was known for his military campaigns against the Norse. His death marked a significant shift in power in early medieval Ireland.
1704 – Penal laws restricting Catholic landholding rights and introducing the ‘sacramental test’ for public office are passed.
These laws were designed to limit the influence of Catholics in Ireland, requiring public officials to swear an oath that effectively excluded them from holding office.
1778 – Birth of Robert Emmet, Irish nationalist and revolutionary, in Dublin.
Emmet was a key figure in the Irish Rebellion of 1803. His failed uprising led to his execution, but his legacy endured as a symbol of Irish nationalism.
1804 – Former United Irishmen stage an insurrection in Australia, ending with a short fight at Castle Hill.
Known as the Castle Hill Rebellion, this uprising by Irish convicts sought to overthrow British rule in New South Wales. It was quickly suppressed.
1864 – Birth of Daniel Mannix, Archbishop of Melbourne and advocate of Irish independence.
Mannix was an outspoken critic of British rule in Ireland and played a crucial role in the Australian Catholic Church.
| 1867 – The Fenian national uprising begins in Ireland. A coordinated rebellion by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the rising was poorly organized and quickly crushed by British forces. |  |
1902 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians is revived in Ireland.
A Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to Irish heritage and culture, it played a significant role in Irish-American politics and society.
1919 – The U.S. House of Representatives passes a resolution urging the Paris Peace Conference to consider Ireland’s claim to self-determination.
This was part of Irish efforts to gain international recognition following the declaration of independence by the First Dáil.
1922 – IRA volunteers under Mick Mansfield seize the RIC barracks in Dungarvan, County Waterford.
Part of the Irish Civil War, this action was one of many taken by anti-Treaty forces against Free State authorities.
1966 – British Home Secretary Frank Soskice meets with Prime Minister Harold Wilson over intelligence reports about potential unrest in Northern Ireland.
In the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising, fears of violence led to increased surveillance and security measures.
1976 – The Northern Ireland Constitutional Convention is formally dissolved, resulting in direct rule of Northern Ireland from London.
The failure of the power-sharing government led to an extended period of direct British control.
1978 – Death of General James Emmet Dalton, who led the bombardment of the Four Courts at the start of the Irish Civil War.
Dalton was a key figure in the Free State Army, overseeing one of the most controversial actions of the conflict.
1998 – Galway bans all vehicles from Shop Street as part of a pedestrianization program.
This move aimed to reduce congestion and improve the city’s historic center, making it more accessible to pedestrians.
1999 – Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, IRA prisoners Paul Kavanagh, Thomas Quigley, and Gerard McDonnell are released.
Their release was part of the peace process and a key concession made by the British government.
2001 – A car bomb explodes outside the BBC headquarters in London, attributed to the Real IRA.
The attack was part of a campaign against British institutions following the Good Friday Agreement.
2010 – Thousands of Gardaí begin a ‘work-to-rule’ protest over public sector pay cuts and the pension levy.
This marked the first major industrial action in the history of the Irish police force.