Covering almost one thousand years, this volume explores the political, cultural, economic, religious and social history of medieval Ireland.

Introduction Brendan Smith; Part I. Christianity, Invasion and Conquest: 600-1200: 1. Communities and their landscapes Edel Bhreatnach; 2. Learning, imagination and belief John Carey; 3. Art and society Jane Hawkes; 4. The Scandinavian intervention Alex Woolf; 5. Perception and reality: Ireland c.980-1229 Máire Ní Mhaonaigh; 6. Conquest and conquerors Colin Veach; Part II. English Lordship in Ireland: 1200-1550: 7. Angevin Ireland Nicholas Vincent; 8. The height of English power: 1250-1320 Beth Hartland; 9. Disaster and opportunity: 1320-1450 Brendan Smith; 10. The political recovery of Gaelic Ireland Katharine Simms; 11. Continuity and change: 1470-1550 Christopher Maginn; 12. Late medieval Ireland in a wider world Michael Bennett; Part III. Religion, Economy and Culture, 1000-1550: 13. The Church, 1050-1460 Colmán Ó Clabaigh; 14. The economy Margaret Murphy; 15. Gaelic culture and society Katharine Simms; 16. The structure of politics in theory and practice, 1210-1541 Peter Crooks; 17. Material culture Rachel Moss; 18. The onset of religious reform: 1460-1550 Mary Ann Lyons; 19. Contexts, divisions and unities: perspectives from the Later Middle Ages Robin Frame.