The Pale

The Pale was a historical region in Ireland, specifically around Dublin, during the late Middle Ages. It was the area where English law and culture were effective, contrasting with the Gaelic Irish regions beyond its borders. Established in the late 12th century, the Pale was marked by fortified boundaries to protect English settlers from local Irish tribes. Over time, the influence of the English diminished, and the term "beyond the Pale" emerged, referring to areas outside the English-controlled zone, symbolizing a lack of civility or order.