In the heyday of ancient Rome, generals knew no restraint in their conquests, expanding the empire into 40 provinces. But Ibernia, as the Latins called Ireland, was never among them.
Viking raids. The Viking founding of Dublin
The education and leading role of the clergy was somewhat shaken in the 10th century, when the Vikings began to disturb the Irish coasts with their raids.
Ireland in the pre-Christian period
The first humans settled Ireland during the Mesolithic period, around 8000 BC, when its climate improved after the glaciers receded.