Ireland & the Irish during the eighteenth century

Historians of this period often use the term 'the long eighteenth century' to describe the period roughly from 1688-1789 when the French Revolution occurred in Europe; though some even extend it to the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815. For Ireland, the defeat of the Irish Jacobite Army during the War of the Two Kings, 1689-1691, would soon afterwards result in the ascendancy to power of the Irish Anglican Protestant community. This community had supported the deposition of King James Stuart II in favour of his son-in-law William of Orange, who was viewed as a defender of the protestant interest, not just in the three kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, but in Europe as well. The lenient terms of the Articles of Limerick singed between the two warring sides, ended hostilities; but they were ignored by the Irish Anglican community, who distrusted the Roman Catholics of Ireland. They feared that they would continue to seek to restore the Stuart claimants, and that they would dispossess them of their considerable land holdings in Ireland, which by the end of the century stood at 86% of all the land. To confirm their hold on power in Ireland, harsh penal legislation was expanded starting in the 1690s which prevented Catholics from inheriting land; from obtaining a formal education; from entering professions in law or the military; from owning firearms or military-size horses; and facilitated the harassment of Catholic clergy. While many stayed and endured these conditions, many others left to join the Irish Brigades of France, Spain or the Holy Roman Empire for the chance of a better life. So what Richard would like to explore with you are questions such as these: what was life like in eighteenth century Ireland? - How did the ancient culture and traditions of the gaelic literati [poets & other knowledge keepers] continue their practices? - What cultural artifacts in both languages, such as songs, poetry and music, still survive today? - How did the Wild Geese emigrants fare in their new host societies? How did the Irish protestants view the Roman Catholic peasantry they ruled over; and how did they view themselves? If you wish to explore these questions and ideas, Richard can be your guide.