1002 Irish chieftain Brian Boru dominates the island's warring clans and is acknowledged as High King of Ireland.

1169 Normans invade from England. Within about 100 years, they have conquered the island, and have established a feudal system.

1603 English forces control island after putting down Irish rebellion.

1609 English begin forced settlement of Ulster. The so-called "plantation" displaces Northern Ireland's native people, adding to long-deepening tension.

1689-90 A Catholic army led by deposed King James II is defeated by the Protestant forces of King William III, securing the Protestant ascendancy to the Irish throne.

1798 An Irish rebellion, led by Wolfe Tone, is put down by the British. Tone is arrested and sentenced to death, but commits suicide.

1800 English Parliament passes Act of Union, which includes Ireland as a part of the British Isles.

1916 Irish Republican Brotherhood rebellion crushed by British. Leaders of the movement are executed, stirring waves of nationalist fervor.

1921 Anglo-Irish treaty gives Ireland freedom, but Northern Ireland elects to remain part of Britain

1948 Ireland proclaims itself a republic and leaves the British commonwealth.

Oct 5. 1968 Police attack civil rights marchers in Londonderry in first clash of "troubles" triggered by Catholic protest against Protestant rule

1969 British troops are deployed in August as peacekeepers in Northern Ireland after more violence mars the British province. By the end of the year a provisional Irish Republican Army is formed initially to defend Catholic areas, but soon go on offensive against Protestant police and soldiers

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