A rip-roaring ride through the history of the Emerald Isle Ireland’s story is an amazingly dramatic and intense one – and today the influence of Irish culture can be felt around the globe. This book helps you find out why, taking you on a rollercoaster journey through the highs and lows of Ireland’s past including invasions, battles, executions, religious divide, uprisings, emigration – and Riverdance! Mike Cronin is a lecturer at the Centre for Irish Programmes, Boston College, Dublin.