A history of how Ireland has been shaped by outside influences throughout the past 2,500 years that challenges popular beliefs while discussing such topics as Europe's religious wars, foreign revolutions, and Ireland's World War II neutrality.

"Published to accompany the television series entitled Story of Ireland first broadcast on BBCNI and RTE in 2011"--T.p. verso. Originally published in slightly different form: London : BBC Books, c2011.

Gods and warriors -- The long conquest -- Faith and fatherland -- The great change -- Two Irelands -- Afterword -- Timeline of events.