Ireland has produced countless big characters throughout its history. See how much you know about some of the more notable people from Ireland by taking this quiz.
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If you think you know about the big characters from Irish history, then take our quiz and see how well you do. Good luck.
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You certainly know your characters from Irish history. Well done. Perhaps you could consider a sideline teaching Irish history at Trinity College, they must always be on the lookout for people with your knowledge. Have you ever researched your own Irish name? Take a look at our Irish names section and see if you can find out anything new about your own Irish ancestors.
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You have shown you know a respectable amount about Irish characters. There were some tough ones in there so give yourself a pat on the back. Of course, there is always room for improvement so why not take a browse through our Irish history section and learn a bit more about some of the major events that helped shape the country.
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Oh dear. That wasn’t too impressive now was it? Never mind, it’s never to late to learn something new and with your positive attitude and thirst for knowledge we will have you an expert on Irish history in no time. Probably best to start with what is arguable the most significant event in Irish history, the Easter Rising. Take a look at our Easter Rising section and found out everything you need to know.
Easter Rising 1916 – six days that changed course of history
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Question 1 of 10
1. Question
What was the name of the King of Leinster in the 12th century, who famously invited the Normans to Ireland to help him regain his throne, leading to the invasion of the entire country?
Correct
MacMurrough was involved in a conflict with, Tigernan O’Rourke, from the kingdom of Bréifne.
MacMurrough kidnapped O’Rouke’s wife Degovilla, so O’Rourke went to the King of Connacht, Rory O’Connor, for help. O’Connor was the most powerful king in Ireland and defeated MacMurrough.
MacMurrough went to England for help and was able to acquire the considerable forces of key Norman figures such as the Earl of Pembroke, Richard Fitzgilbert de Clare, who was also known as Strongbow.
Incorrect
MacMurrough was involved in a conflict with, Tigernan O’Rourke, from the kingdom of Bréifne.
MacMurrough kidnapped O’Rouke’s wife Degovilla, so O’Rourke went to the King of Connacht, Rory O’Connor, for help. O’Connor was the most powerful king in Ireland and defeated MacMurrough.
MacMurrough went to England for help and was able to acquire the considerable forces of key Norman figures such as the Earl of Pembroke, Richard Fitzgilbert de Clare, who was also known as Strongbow.
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Question 2 of 10
2. Question
The name Christopher Brady may not be well known to many, but he had a crucial contribution to the Easter Rising which helped shaped Ireland’s history, what was it?
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Thomas McDonagh read the text of the Proclamation out to him and asked him what he thought. Brady explains: “As the son of a Dublin printer I considered it an honour to be entrusted to do such a job.”
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Thomas McDonagh read the text of the Proclamation out to him and asked him what he thought. Brady explains: “As the son of a Dublin printer I considered it an honour to be entrusted to do such a job.”
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Question 3 of 10
3. Question
Captain Noel Drury was just one of thousands of Irish men who fought for the British Army. His diary revealed some of the horrendous conditions endured by the soldiers in the trenches. Below is a short extract, but which war did he take part in?
“Our overcoats are frozen hard. The men can hardly hold their rifles as their hands freeze to the cold metal. Everyone is falling and tumbling about in the most ludicrous way.
“We had an enormous sick parade this morning nearly 150 men reporting. There are many bad cases of frostbite in hands and feet.”
Correct
Captain Noel Drury led the 6th Dublin Fusiliers through the Balkans. His diaries reveal the horror conditions for soldiers during the First World War and is considered a vital resource for historians, offering a first-hand account of the day-to-day lives and activities of the soldiers.
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Captain Noel Drury led the 6th Dublin Fusiliers through the Balkans. His diaries reveal the horror conditions for soldiers during the First World War and is considered a vital resource for historians, offering a first-hand account of the day-to-day lives and activities of the soldiers.
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Question 4 of 10
4. Question
Tom Guerin was a minor celebrity in Ireland due to his horrendous start in life and would announce himself with the phrase: “I’m the poet, I’m the genius.” What terrible event nearly killed him when he was just three years old?
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The details of exactly what happened to Guerin are sketchy. Some reports say he was buried for two days before the mistake was discovered. Others say the mistake was discovered during his burial. Guerin survived but was crippled for the rest of his life because his legs were broken during the ordeal.
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The details of exactly what happened to Guerin are sketchy. Some reports say he was buried for two days before the mistake was discovered. Others say the mistake was discovered during his burial. Guerin survived but was crippled for the rest of his life because his legs were broken during the ordeal.
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Question 5 of 10
5. Question
Archibald Hamilton Rowan co-founded Dublin Society of United Irishmen. He was a fiery character and despite his wealth, he cared deeply for the Irish peasants. His grandfather had stated he was not allowed to receive his inheritance until he acquired an Oxbridge education, but he never did after being expelled for what reason?
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Hamilton Rowan led an incredible life that saw him travel the world, spent time in prison and narrowly escape the death penalty. He eventually settled in America but there was still time for a final twist to his life.
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Hamilton Rowan led an incredible life that saw him travel the world, spent time in prison and narrowly escape the death penalty. He eventually settled in America but there was still time for a final twist to his life.
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Question 6 of 10
6. Question
Redmond O’Hanlon is a legendary figure in Ireland, and is often described as the ‘Irish Robin Hood’. He was a highwayman and charged landlords protection money to prevent any thieves stealing their livestock. He dispersed the money among Irish peasants to make sure they could afford their rent and buy food. How did he die?
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Count Redmond O’Hanlon has gone down as a legendary figure in Irish history. An uncatchable outlaw, who evaded capture with cunning and charm, only to meet his end after being betrayed by his closest ally.
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Count Redmond O’Hanlon has gone down as a legendary figure in Irish history. An uncatchable outlaw, who evaded capture with cunning and charm, only to meet his end after being betrayed by his closest ally.
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Question 7 of 10
7. Question
Thomas Fitzgerald, known as ‘Silken Thomas’, led an unsuccessful rebellion against the British Crown in Ireland in 1534. One of the reasons he failed was because the Catholic Church refused to support him as he had expected. Why did Silken Thomas lose the support of the Catholic Church?
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Silken Thomas met an unfortunate end in London after being betrayed by the Lord Deputy of Ireland. However, his failed rebellion brought Ireland sharply into focus for King Henry who quickly acted to reduce the threat of any further uprisings.
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Silken Thomas met an unfortunate end in London after being betrayed by the Lord Deputy of Ireland. However, his failed rebellion brought Ireland sharply into focus for King Henry who quickly acted to reduce the threat of any further uprisings.
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Question 8 of 10
8. Question
Frank Ryan was arrested by Italian officials after he led a troop of Irishmen to help the Spanish rebels fight against General Franco. He was initially sentenced to death, but that was quickly reduced to 30 years of labour. However, Ryan was released a short time after being arrested after who stepped in to help him?
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Ryan spent six years outside of Ireland, and wanted nothing more than to return safely. However, he had become too intertwined in the political jostling between the world’s major powers, he was not safe anywhere.
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Ryan spent six years outside of Ireland, and wanted nothing more than to return safely. However, he had become too intertwined in the political jostling between the world’s major powers, he was not safe anywhere.
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Question 9 of 10
9. Question
Grace O’Malley, the Irish Pirate Queen, is one of the most colourful characters in Irish history. She led her clan with more skill and bravery than any of the male chieftains around her. How did she once repel an English attack on her fortress long enough for her reinforcements to arrive?
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It’s not surprising that Grace O’Malley caught the attention of the other towering female figure of the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth of England. They were on opposite sides as the English attempted to subdue the rebellious Irish, but they did meet and by all accounts, got on surprisingly well.
Incorrect
It’s not surprising that Grace O’Malley caught the attention of the other towering female figure of the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth of England. They were on opposite sides as the English attempted to subdue the rebellious Irish, but they did meet and by all accounts, got on surprisingly well.
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Question 10 of 10
10. Question
Mike Malloy, otherwise known as Iron Mike or Mike the Durable, was an Irish emigrant living in New York in the early 20th century, who was the victim of a consistent series of murder attempts by an insurance fraud gang. After he amazingly survived being poisoned, left asleep in the snow, and hit by a taxi, how did the crooks finally kill Iron Mike?
Correct
Malloy was originally from Co Donegal but moved to New York where he worked as a firefighter. Unfortunately, he enjoyed a drink a little too much and lost his job and his home and spent years living on the streets of New York City before falling victim to the evil scheme.
Incorrect
Malloy was originally from Co Donegal but moved to New York where he worked as a firefighter. Unfortunately, he enjoyed a drink a little too much and lost his job and his home and spent years living on the streets of New York City before falling victim to the evil scheme.
