Episode 11 explores the rise of Hugh de Lacy and the Norman conquest of Meath following King Henry II’s departure from Ireland in 1172. Determined to prevent Strongbow from becoming too powerful, Henry grants the vast and strategically important Kingdom of Meath to his trusted lieutenant Hugh de Lacy, creating a new Norman lordship at the very heart of Ireland.

The episode examines why Meath was one of the most valuable kingdoms in Gaelic Ireland, the Norman strategy of castle building and colonisation, and the growing rivalry between Hugh de Lacy and Strongbow. We also explore the weakening authority of Rory O’Connor as High King, the collapse of the great anti-Norman coalition, and the continued political manoeuvring of powerful rulers such as Tiernan O'Rourke.

At the centre of the story is the dramatic confrontation between Hugh de Lacy and Tiernan O’Rourke, King of Bréifne. Drawing on both Norman and Gaelic sources, we examine the disputed meeting at the Hill of Ward, the controversial death of O’Rourke, and the very different versions of events preserved by medieval chroniclers. The episode concludes with the death of one of the most important Gaelic kings of the age and explores how his killing marked a major escalation in tensions between the Normans and the Irish.

Episode 10 of Irish History Tales explores the arrival and impact of King Henry II in Ireland in 1171–1172, marking a major turning point in the Norman Conquest. After the victories of Strongbow (Richard de Clare) and the growing power of the Norman lords, Henry lands in Ireland to bring the invasion under direct royal control and prevent Strongbow from creating an independent kingdom.

The episode examines the submissions of Gaelic kings and the beginning of the Lordship of Ireland. It also explores the Synod of Cashel and the growing influence of the English crown over the Irish Church, linking these developments to the controversial Papal Bull Laudabiliter.

We also explore whether the murder of Thomas Becket influenced King Henry II's decision to invade Ireland. Key figures such as Hugh de Lacy, Strongbow, and Henry II are discussed as the first phase of the Norman Conquest comes to an end and a new political era begins. The episode also explores how Norman rule would gradually reshape Ireland through new systems of lordship, trade, agriculture, religion, and royal administration.

In this bonus episode, we step away from the main narrative to examine one of the most important sources for the Norman Conquest of Ireland: The Song of Dermot and the Earl.

This Anglo-Norman French verse chronicle gives us some of the most vivid details of the invasion — from Dermot MacMurrough’s exile and the arrival of the Normans, to the capture of Waterford, the fall of Dublin, Rory O’Connor’s siege, and the growing power of Strongbow.

But how reliable is it?

We explore who may have been behind the text, the possible role of Dermot’s interpreter Maurice Regan, what the source contains, and how its pro-Norman bias shapes the story it tells.

In this bonus episode, we cover:

• The Song as a Primary Source
• Who was Maurice Regan?
• What events the poem describes in vivid detail.
• Bias and Propaganda
  

Why historians must compare The Song with the Irish annals, Gerald of Wales and modern scholarship.