The Irish people have a great sense of national identity drawn from a history that mixes oppression and emancipation. This reference offers a complete A-to-Z journey through a turbulent past which has shaped the country. It provides a comprehensive background to, and a deeper understanding of, a great many characters and events. From the mythology of Fionn mac Cumhail and the Giant's Causeway to the legendary modern political figures of de Valera and Collins - from the barren limestone cliffs of the Aran Islands to the vibrant city life of Dublin - every aspect of Irish history is covered in these extensively cross-referenced A to Z entries.