Irish history has been dominated by a succession of settlers, traders, invaders, soldiers and colonisers. The arrival of Patrick in the fifth century - arguably the most important settler ever - is the starting point for this concise and accessible account of 1500 years of Irish history. The coming of Christianity integrated Ireland more firmly with Europe and marked the emergence of a golden age of Irish scholarship. The arrival of the Anglo-Normans in the twelfth century signalled the beginning of Ireland's long, complex and often tortuous relationship with England, which changed the political landscape of both countries. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the Republic of Ireland is again playing a leading role in Europe - economically, financially and culturally. This general survey examines the key developments and personalities of Irish history and challenges the dominant interpretation of events such as Cromwell's invasion, the Plantation of Ulster, the Great Famine and Nationalism. A New History of Ireland provides a concise, lucid and nuanced approach to Ireland's complex and fascinating history.