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. He has written 5 books on Irish history. Discover: When and how Ireland became Celtic Ireland and Britain's complex relationship The evolution of Irish culture How Irish emigration has affected the world Northern Ireland's rocky road to peace