Liam's Irish Traditional Music - Irelands culture and tradition

Between 1695 and 1725, those Involved in governing England passed a series of strict Acts of Parliament. These were called the Penal Laws, and they restricted social and political freedom. In Ireland, the landowners who controlled the Irish Parliament passed the same laws, and those who ran the headquarters of British rule, Dublin Castle, enforced them. The Castle became the symbol of Protestant rule and English ascendancy.

Under the Penal Laws, anyone in England or Ireland, who was not a member of the Anglican, or established Church of England, was not allowed to attend schools or universities, and could not take a Job in politics, the civil service or any of the professions. All religious outsiders including non-conformist settlers, such as the Presbyterians as well as Catholics Could be persecuted.

In Ireland it was forbidden for the Catholic Church to appoint senior officials such as bishops, and churches were allowed to fall into ruins because no money was allotted to preserving them. Catholics were forbidden to, own land and could not inherit it. The Gaelic language was allowed to fall into disuse as English became the official language of Ireland, and children had to be taught in English. Gaelic traditions and dress began to disappear altogether, as the English administration grew stronger. Irish Catholics were allowed to practise their faith, and were able to keep alive this aspect of their lives. Often it was to their priest that they turned to, If they needed help, and so, the priests became an inspiration and gave guidance and help in times of misery and hardship