This collection of studies on the history of Gaelic Ireland is the product of four years of an essay competition, sponsored jointly by the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains (Buanchomhairle Thaoisigh ireann) and Clans of Ireland (Finte na h ireann). The works represent the winning entries and superior quality essays from 2013 to 2016, and cover the period ranging from the 12th to the 17th centuries. The study themes range from political and social history to kinship and culture, relating to a selection of Gaelic Irish, Anglo-Norman and Scottish population groups who shared the island.