This topic traces the historical, economic, and political connections between Ireland and mainland Europe from early Christian missionary movements to modern European Union membership. Examination questions test your ability to explain these links across different eras and analyse the impact of European integration on modern Ireland.
Early Christian and Medieval Connections
Religion and trade connected Ireland to continental Europe from the early Middle Ages.
- From the sixth century, Irish monks travelled to mainland Europe to spread Christianity, establishing Ireland's reputation as the 'island of saints and scholars'.
- Saint Columbanus founded major continental monasteries at Luxeuil in France and Bobbio in Italy.
- Viking settlers founded Ireland's first trading towns, including Dublin, Waterford, and Limerick, linking Irish ports directly to European trade routes.
- The Anglo-Norman arrival in 1169 introduced European feudal laws, stone castles, and continental religious orders.
Early Modern Ties: Soldiers, Scholars, and Revolution
Between 1600 and 1800, religious conflict and European politics bound Ireland closely to continental Catholic powers.
- After the Flight of the Earls in 1607, Gaelic lords fled to Europe seeking Spanish military support.
- Irish Colleges opened in continental cities such as Salamanca, Louvain, and Paris to train Catholic priests at a time when Catholic education was suppressed in Ireland.
- Following the Treaty of Limerick in 1691, thousands of Irish soldiers known as the Wild Geese enlisted in French and Spanish armies.
- The 1789 French Revolution inspired Theobald Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen to seek an independent Irish republic.
- In 1798, French troops under General Humbert landed at Killala, County Mayo, to fight alongside Irish rebels.
Joining the EEC in 1973
In the mid-twentieth century, Ireland moved away from economic protectionism towards European trade.
- About three-quarters of Irish exports went to Britain, so when Britain applied to join, Ireland had to apply too or lose its main market.
- Taoiseach Seán Lemass first applied for European Economic Community (EEC) membership in 1961 to modernise the economy.
- Ireland's entry was delayed because French President Charles de Gaulle twice blocked Britain's application, in 1963 and 1967.
- In May 1972, 83% of those who voted said Yes to joining the EEC in a referendum.
- Ireland joined on 1 January 1973 under Taoiseach Jack Lynch, alongside Britain and Denmark, gaining access to a European market of 250 million consumers.
Impact of Membership on Modern Ireland
Joining the EEC changed Irish farming, the economy, and women's working lives, but it also caused some problems.
| Area | Key Impact |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) guaranteed prices for beef and dairy, raising farm incomes and modernising rural life. |
| Infrastructure | Billions of euro in structural funds paid for new motorways, water schemes, and regional development projects. |
| Social Rights | Joining the EEC committed Ireland to equal treatment for women; the public service marriage bar was removed in 1973 and an equal pay act was passed in 1974. |
| Trade & Work | The 1993 Single Market boosted multinational investment; free movement allowed Irish citizens to work across Europe, while European workers moved to Ireland. |
| Difficulties | Irish fishermen faced strict catch quotas under European rules, and debate grew over national sovereignty. |
The EU and International Co-operation
Ireland's role expanded as the European project developed from a trade bloc into a union promoting peace and rights.
- The EEC was set up by the Treaty of Rome in 1957 by six founding nations to build economic links and make another European war unlikely.
- Member states co-operate through the European Commission, Council of Ministers, and European Parliament, where Irish citizens elect MEPs.
- EU law protects worker protections and human rights, which are defended in the European Court of Justice.
- EU PEACE funding financed vital cross-border and community projects in Northern Ireland and the border counties following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
- Ireland adopted the single currency, and euro banknotes and coins replaced the Irish pound in 2002.
Key terms
- European Economic Community (EEC)
- A group of European countries that agreed to trade freely with each other, set up by the Treaty of Rome in 1957; Ireland joined on 1 January 1973.
- Wild Geese
- Irish Catholic soldiers who left to serve in continental European armies following the Treaty of Limerick in 1691.
- Irish Colleges
- Seminaries established in continental cities like Salamanca, Louvain, and Paris to train Irish priests while Catholic education was suppressed in Ireland.
- Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
- A system of EU agricultural subsidies and price supports designed to secure food supply and maintain farmers' incomes.
- Structural Funds
- EU financial aid granted to less prosperous regions to build infrastructure such as motorways and fund job-training schemes.
- Marriage Bar
- The rule that women working in the civil and public service had to give up their jobs when they married; it was ended in 1973.
- Single Market
- An EU trade area established in 1993 allowing the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across member states.
- Euro
- The single European currency adopted by Ireland in 1999, which entered physical circulation as notes and coins in 2002.
Check yourself
Which Irish missionary monk founded monasteries at Luxeuil in France and Bobbio in Italy?
Saint Columbanus.
Why did Irish Colleges open in continental cities like Salamanca and Louvain?
To train Catholic priests while Catholic education was suppressed in Ireland.
Give one reason why Ireland applied to join the EEC in the 1960s.
Most Irish exports went to Britain, so Ireland had to follow Britain's application to protect its trade.
What domestic restriction on female workers in the civil service was ended in 1973?
The marriage bar.
How did the EU support cross-border reconciliation in Ireland after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement?
It provided financial support through EU PEACE funding for cross-border and community projects.