Who are the Irish?

Covering the origins and nature of the Irish people from their earliest beginnings to the modern day through archaeology, mythology and history. It is only the most brief of introductions and focuses more on origins and myth so do not expect an in-depth history, but a quick overview of some important points.

Feel free to dispute specific figures. I typically went with mid-range estimates. The fact is, nobody actually knows the true figures, but they were massive and terrible.

Also, unlike most of my Irish-related videos where I often try to use Old Gaelic pronunciation, I do try to use modern (Munster-ish) pronunciation throughout this video for names, though there may be some inconsistencies or errors. Obviously I am not a native speaker. I can only try my best.

Contents
00:00 - Introduction
02:12 - Stone Age Settlement
03:35 - Bell Beakers
07:43 - Celts
12:30 - Mythical origins
24:30 - Gaelic Society from legend to history
28:23 - Medieval Ireland & the Normans
33:43 - Beyond the Pale. Early Modern Struggle
36:04 - Henry VIII, Plantations
38:23 - Confederacy and Cromwell

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[Alasdair]

The fist step for the modern Gaels is the revival of our language. There's a reason the English were so adamant about eradicating the Irish and Welsh languages going so far as to beat children in school for speaking there own language. Language is part of the very foundation of a culture. The fact is they beat the pride out of us, the pride for our own language and now Ireland and the descendants of the Gael have a complicated relationship with our language and there is even a debate in Ireland as to weather the language is even worth reviving but thankfully that seems to have shifted in favor of Gaeilge in recent years more young people have taken interest and the internet is breathing new life into the language but its up to us to save it. There is no Gaelic culture without Gaeilge.

[CraicDealer]

This is a legitimately great documentary. As an Irish person, and Irish speaker, i usually groan when i see Irish "history" vids. But this is actually terrific, i cant imagine the time it took. Cheers for takng the effort, and not doing the usual "ah faith and begora, leprechaun and potato!"

[MaryLove-dw]

Poor Irish, the persecution they suffered. It’s actually a heartbreaking history, especially after the English arrived. To know who you are is to know your roots. Ireland is so beautiful with friendly people. What a fascinating history, but also quite heartbreaking.

[joelosminski]

My maternal grandmother came to America through Ellis Island, from County Clare, Ireland. She instilled in me, a very deep love and appreciation of my people. God bless

[LelandLittleDog-ouhf]

In 2010 we took lakota and anishinabe students to ireland and stayed at the glendalough hostel. Many of our lakota people have irish last names. Kelly, wright, moran, and trimble to name a few. Many spiritual similarities. Among our super hosts were eugene o''halloran and rosie o'connor. We ❤️ Ireland! Thank you for your hospitality 👍 hope to see ireland again!!

[boodle]

Went to Ireland several years ago with my gf. Now we’re married with 3 children who all got Irish names. There’s still magic there and I can only hope that the Irish find a way to retain it

[kobeGOAT]

Unreal documentary, where are you from? As an Irish man with a decent grasp of our history, everything in this video was spot on and obviously very well researched. This should be shown to all Irish kids in our school system. Well done, unreal doc 👏

[karlheinzvonkroemann]

You are absolutely right about the modern government not caring about the Irish or any ethnic Eiuropean group. They are the worst, most dangerous of all threats the Irish have ever faced.

[remrem-gxml]

my friend this video is a delicious morsel of knowledge. everything about it from the way you speak to the level of detail is just so satisfying. please keep doing what your doing. with people actively trying to rewrite history we desperately need people like you.

[sineadduggan]

Thank you for this fascinating delve into our origins and your attention to the correct pronunciation of the language itself.

[bodge]

My parents were Scottish and I was born in England in 56 when they first came here then we went back until 1963. The accent I had was very much unappreciated by the mentally sick “teachers” and I was forced into many fights by the ignorance of narcissistic haters of anything different. I am 66 now and have a real problem with authoritarianism of the kind that seeks to shape me. I never bend or bow to anyone.

[eileencregg]

I am so amazed with all of this new history to me of Ireland, so excited to learn more, from the indigenous citizens of Ireland thank you for all you all do to share the history of the country I love . Am so proud to have my ancestors from such a beautiful Ireland 👀💚💯🍀🇮🇪💚🙏💯💕🍀

[diceportz]

Man! This contradicts most of the popular myths I was told about the Irish and the Vikings. I am so glad I stumbled across this content creator.

[chrismahfouz]

Thanks you so much!❤️This was wonderful but heartbreaking…cried and now sharing with other Irish descended friends, & family.❤️

[isabelofthewoods]

this is a bit random, but as an avid admirer of Tolkien's work I knew his elven languages have been constructed with old languages of the Isles, but having heard modern Gaelic, it didn't really click. However hearing these old names made me immediately associate them with Quenya and the Legendarium and it's wonderful :)

[AlexKaduk]

Cheers! I'm a foreigner, but I love Ireland and feel some hard-to-explain connection to it and its culture. Enjoyed this one big time!

[IndridCold.]

Your understanding of Ireland in 44 minutes, as well as our present betrayal is as well done as any Irish patriot could have done.

[samhradh]

Thank you for this! My family were fishermen who moved from Ireland to Newfoundland. I want to learn more

[seamus]

This was an absolute brilliant piece of work. Interesting from beginning to the end. And I could listen to this gentleman's voice and the way he tells a story, all day. With the massive amount of Muslims immigrating to Ireland right now. There will be a huge change in the country and the people very soon. Liked, Saved and Subbed....

[jordandouvartzidis]

Ireland is one country I cannot wait to visit, iv always loved watching documentaries that showcase the beautiful landscapes. Iv worked with many Irish men and they are absolute gentlemen. Hard working buggers to.