Books
23 Best Novels About the Norman Invasion of Ireland
Bestselling authors first, then star rating.
Phase
Norman Invasion of Ireland
1169–1177
The Norman invasion of Ireland began when Diarmait Mac Murchada sought military help from Anglo-Norman lords after losing power in Leinster. Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, and other adventurers became involved in campaigns that changed the balance of Irish politics.
Henry II intervened to prevent his own vassals from creating an independent power base and to assert royal authority over the new conquests. The invasion did not produce immediate uniform control but opened centuries of Anglo-Norman and English involvement in Ireland.
For fiction, the setting gives material for mercenary ambition, dynastic politics, coastal landings, castle-building, disputed legitimacy and the collision of Irish kingship with Anglo-Norman lordship.
