Full of rich details drawn from years of original research, this study analyzes the shaping of the past, present, and future of Ireland through the history of Irish nationalism. A full presentation and explanation of why Irish nationalists have believed and acted as they have, why their ideas and strategies have changed over time, and what effect Irish nationalism has had in shaping modern Ireland is included. From the Ulster Plantation to Home Rule, from the Famine of 1847 to the Hunger Strikes of the 1970s, from Parnell to Pearse, from Wolfe Tone to Gerry Adams, from the bitter struggle of the Civil War to the uneasy peace of the early 21st century, this work investigates the key points in Irish history and debates the possibility of a post-nationalist period for Ireland.