Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

Did the English really invade Ireland?

Big man Tim McGarry and the wee man David Hume go back to 1169 and the Norman conquest of Ireland to ask: was it really an English invasion?

Big man Tim McGarry and the wee man David Hume go back to the year 1169 and the start of the Norman conquest of Ireland. Did the Normans actually invade or were they invited in? Was the Norman occupation really an English invasion?

Tim and David begin the story of the Norman conquest of Ireland at Baginbun beach in County Wexford. The phrase 'by the creek of Baginbun, Ireland was lost and won' refers to where the Anglo-Normans landed in Ireland. They successfully defeated the local Irish forces and their rule in Ireland began.

But was it really an invasion? The Normans came by invitation of the deposed King of Leinster to help him regain his kingship. They also claimed their occupation of Ireland was sanctioned by the Pope.

Release date:

28 minutes

On TV

Today 19:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Tim McGarry
Presenter David Hume
Director Michael Powell
Producer Damon Quinn

Broadcasts

Featured in...