This fully-illustrated collaborative volume deals with all aspects of Irish military history, but especially the relationship between armies and soldiers in Ireland with Irish society in general. It covers Irish soldiers, armies and battles in eighteen clearly-organized chronological chapters, ranging from the middle of the first millennium AD to modern times. As a whole it brings a new and exciting dimension to Irish military history, that has concentrated hitherto on battles and tactics. The text is illustrated throughout by over 120 pictures and maps.