By the seventeenth century the traditional divide between the Gaelic Irish and Old English was declining; they had assimilated with one another and they were united by their shared religion, Catholicism. In addition, they were allied together in the face of the huge influx of Protestant English and Scottish settlers during the Plantations who were threatening the political position of the wealthier Irish Catholics.

The vast majority of this group were not opposed to the supremacy of Charles I but they wished to be full subjects and maintain their pre-eminent position in Irish society. The failed Gunpowder plot severely curtailed their rights and privileges. However there were stumbling blocks to achieving this that lay in their religious affiliation and the extension of the Plantations. In 1638, many Scots revolted in what were known as the Bishops' Wars against Charles I's attempts to impose Church of England prayers in Scotland. Charles turned to the Irish gentry to raise an army to put down the rebellion, he promised them the concession of allowing them to practice their religion openly. To the Scots and English Parliaments, this appeared to confirm that Charles was a tyrant who wanted to impose Catholicism on his kingdoms.

In early 1641, Scots and English proposed invading Ireland to subdue any Catholic force that was being raised there. Catholics in Ireland decided to pre-empt this and concocted a plan to seize Dublin Castle and towns throughout the country in the name of the King. If they had succeeded they may very well have found themselves in a position to dictate terms to the king and parliament. However, an informer blabbed about the plans to take the Castle and it never took place. But the local risings in Ulster went according to plan under the leadership of Phelim O'Neill. At first they met with only minor resistance, they occupied most of Ulster and them marched south into Leinster. They were joined by the Old English and the combined forces, calling themselves the 'Catholic Army', laid siege to Drogheda.

The movement spread throughout the country throughout 1642 and success seemed imminent. However, reinforcements began to arrive from England and the 'Catholic Army' was pushed back into Ulster, many were anxious to sue for peace, but the English administration were not interested, they sought to subdue Ireland once and for all. However, a quick defeat of the rebels in Ireland was prevented by the outbreak of Civil War in Ireland, English troops were withdrawn from Ireland and a general stalemate ensued.

Russell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring Ireland, the leading specialists in customised, private escorted tours, escorted coach tours and independent self drive tours of Ireland.

Article source: Russell Shortt, http://www.exploringireland.net

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Travel Ireland Tips Questions

you've so many questions. your best off going on to ireland.ie the link is below.

Help! Traveling to Ireland/Scotland/England Area?

Hello all,
I'm traveling the last week in August (28th) through the 11th of September, to Ireland, Scotland and England. Does anyone have suggestions of things to do/see? I've never been to Europe before and wish to see as much as possible. I love history, theatre, fine dining, shopping, flea markets and backroad sort of things. I like some tourist things but alot of "hole in the walls". Things you wouldn't expect to find/see unless you were looking for it. In Ireland I have someone to show me around (A friend of mine) but would stil like tips. After that she is taking me to the ferry to go to Scotland... then I understand I can ferry from Glasgow to London? Is this right? From London I understand I can take a rail to Belgium or Paris perhaps?? Please advise...

With two weeks and starting in Ireland, I would forget about crossing the Channel to France or Belgium. You are going to spend a couple of days in Ireland, and if you go to Glasgow, you really should check out Edinburgh and the Highlands (which aren't to far from Glasgow or Edinburgh). You could spend a week easily in London and Southern England and there are some good stops between Scotland and London (York and surrounding area for one)

No, a ferry from Glasgow to London is NOT right at all. It would be more than 500 miles by sea for what is about 250 miles over land. Train, Car or PLane.

I have been to England five times will tell you some highlights but. You really should get a good guide book for Great Britain and that will have hotel information.

London has 2000 years of History and lots of great Theatre and you are going to want to spend at least three days there. You might want to see several shows. You would like Camden Market. Tower of London is a must. Then Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Place are good day trips from London. you could easily spend a week in London and vicinity.

You should consider renting a car and spending a couple of days in the countryside, but only if you think you can handle driving on the other side of the road. You should consider Winchester, Stonehenge, (Hampshire) Corfe Castle, Maiden Castle (not really a castle, but a giant Hill fort) Dorchester, Portland,Shaftsbury (Dorset).

Or you could head in the other direction for Canterbury and Dover.

Really, get a guidebook!~ You seem like an intelligent person! Do a few searches for Scotland, London,etc. and the places I've mentioned.

There is too much to cover it in this format. Get the most out of your trip -- do some research.

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