Irish medieval history

Irish medieval history spans roughly from the 5th to the 16th centuries. Initially, Ireland was divided into various kingdoms, each ruled by local chieftains. The arrival of Christianity in the 5th century, marked by figures like St. Patrick, transformed Irish culture. During the Viking Age (8th-11th centuries), Norse settlers founded cities like Dublin. The Norman invasion in the 12th century altered the political landscape, leading to conflicts between Gaelic lords and the Anglo-Normans. The period ended with the Tudor conquest in the late 16th century, laying the groundwork for centuries of English influence and conflict in Ireland.