English expansion continues and in 1177, Ulster is conquered by soldiers led by John de Courcy. English expansion halted and then reversed. By the end of the period, English possessions are limited to a small area around Dublin. Everything outside is regarded as savage, giving rise to the expression 'beyond the pale'. I take an increasing interest in Ireland.
Colonisation increases again, sparking off several rebellions late in the century.
The greatest of the revolts, led by Ulsterman Hugh O'Neill, the Earl of Tyrone, reaches its high point with victory over the English at the Yellow Ford in 1598, but he is defeated three years later at Kinsale and surrenders. 17th century Start of the 'Plantation of Ulster' - the systematic colonisation of Donegal, Tyrone, Derry, Armagh, Cavan and Fermanagh by settlers from England and Scotland. After Parliament's victory in the English civil war, Oliver Cromwell conquered the whole of Ireland and set about opening the island up to colonisation. 1690 Protestant King William of Orange's troops defeated the Catholic army of King James at the Battle of the Boyne to confirm his claim to the English throne and with it Ireland. By the end of the 17th century, Ulster in particular was heavily settled, mainly by Scottish Presbyterians.