In 1610 the 4 provinces of Ireland were permanently established, with Ulster covering the northern part of the island. Now, and for over the past 100 years, 3 of its 9 counties have been governed by The Republic of Ireland; the other 6 counties are part of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. How has this come about? In this course we will explore a history of the province from the arrival of St. Patrick in County Down (c 432AD). We will touch upon the arrival of the Normans on the island and the growing influence of England from Tudor times. Numerous rebellions, the Plantation of Ulster, the 1801 Act of Union, Home Rule, the establishment of Northen Ireland as a new political entity will all feature. More recently, the 'Troubles' and the Good Friday Agreement will be discussed.