In my first ever podcast episode, I will be attempting to deliver a brief introduction of my capstone project, as well as a brief history of Ireland. In this episode we will explore some of the roots of English rule in Ireland as well as British colonialism and it's effects. The topics discussed in this podcast will range from the Tudor conquest of Ireland, to the Potatoe famine of 1845 and the second Boer War. Furthermore, we will be investigating what makes 'Irish' nationalism unique. This episode's main goal is to provide you with a brief understanding of context, to familiarize yourself with the Irish experience prior to the 20th century. The sources utilized in the making of this episode are as followed: Richard Killeen, 'A Short History of Modern Ireland.' (Montreal and Kingston: McGill-Queen's University Press,. 2003.) Hayden Talbot. 'Michael Collins' Own Story.' (Hutchinson & Company 1923). Margery Forester. 'Michael Collins: The Lost Leader: A biography of Irish politician Michael Collins.' (Gill & Macmillan Ltd, 2006.) Edward O'Mahony 'Michael Collins: His Life and Times' Collins 22 society, 1996. Eugenio Biagini and Daniel Mulhall, eds. 'The Shaping of Modern Ireland: A Centenary Assesment.' Co. Kildare: Irish Academic Press. 2016. Donal. P McCracken, 'Forgotten Protest: Ireland and the Anglo-Boer War.' Ulster Historical Foundation, 2003.