This project has begun to extend the frontiers of Irish and British history in a number of ways. Firstly, the major research findings arising from this project have revealed the following: (i) the ability of the Gaelic Irish and Gaelic Scottish nobility to forge alliances with one another was a key factor delaying the Tudor conquest of Ireland and, (ii) that the political history of Ireland and Britain cannot be fully understood without exploring the Hiberno-Scottish interface in this period. Crucially, these findings have challenged the dominant Anglo-centric approach to Irish and British history in this period. Although the papers emerging from this action have yet the published, the project is beginning to effect a paradigm shift within late medieval/early modern Irish and British history. By attending and presenting at numerous high-profile conferences, the researcher has been able to showcase this research arising from the project to a wide international audience of scholars working both within and across a variety of different disciplines such as history, Celtic studies, archaeology, and literature. This, in turn, has also seen the researcher invited deliver papers at specialist seminars and symposia as well as been invited to contribute chapters to peer-reviewed edited collections. The researcher’s conference (‘Beyond the Pale and Highland Line’) enabled the researcher to host a two-day event focused on research themes emanating from the project. Importantly, the conference has enabled the fellow to create their own research network, coupled with the potential for an annual online conference. This annual event, coupled with the forthcoming published research, will ensure that the project continues to have an impact well beyond its initial lifespan.
The project has also helped to inform societal perceptions of late medieval/early modern Irish and British history. In particular, the project sought to emphasise the importance of the Gaelic world as a key ‘component’ in the history of the British Isles. This concept has been promoted through several public engagement activities. Firstly, the project website disseminated research findings in an easily digestible format through monthly blog post updates. The website also hosts two digital maps of the Gaelic world c.1500 delineating lordships and the main aristocratic families residing therein. Currently there are few resources outside academia for mapping these families: therefore, these online maps will help make this topic more accessible. The public talk allowed the researcher to present some of their findings to an audience in a non-specialised format. By designing a quiz, the researcher was also able to ascertain certain public perceptions about Irish and British history. The researcher has also been commissioned to write a six-part series for ‘History Scotland’ magazine. By drawing upon research findings arising from the project, the researcher will able to disseminate the project to an even wider audience and promote the importance of the Gaelic world as a historical concept.
Overall impacts from this MSCA are greatly strengthened: the importance of the Gaelic world a key element in Irish and British history has been clearly underlined within an academic setting. This impact will be further strengthened following the publication of papers emerging from the project. Equally, the project is leading to an enhanced public perception of the Gaelic past.
