Anglo-Irish aristocracy

The Anglo-Irish aristocracy was a social class in Ireland, primarily composed of descendants of English settlers who held land and power from the 17th to early 20th centuries. They were often Protestant and aligned culturally and politically with Britain, contrasting with the predominantly Catholic Irish population. This group played a significant role in Ireland’s landownership, governance, and society, maintaining privileges that sometimes led to tensions with native Irish communities. Their influence waned after Irish independence, but historically, they represent the longstanding Anglo-Irish connection and the complex social hierarchy rooted in colonial history.