An 18th-century rebellion for liberty, equality and freedom − not in France or the United States, but Ireland

By Joseph Patrick Kelly, Professor of Literature and Director of Irish and Irish American Studies, College of Charleston

Shortly before midnight on May 23, 1798, highwaymen just north of Dublin intercepted and set on fire a mail coach headed to Belfast.

It was the signal meant to ignite revolution across all Ireland.

At the time, Ireland was a kingdom within the state of Great Britain. The island’s three religious factions had long been divided. Families who belonged to the Anglican Church of Ireland made up the aristocratic landlords and colonial administrators.…

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