A brief look at Norman settlement in Ireland.

1. Norman settlement in Ireland

2.  The Normans built many settlements in Ireland when the
invaded the country in the 12th century.

3. Where did the Normans settle?

4. In the East and South
 The Normans came to Ireland from England and Wales. So
they landed on the east and south coasts of Ireland.
 Ireland at that time had very
few roads and lots of forest.
 This prevented the Normans
from moving too far from their
landing places.
 They settled in the east and south.

5. Fertile land
 Land was very important to the Normans.
 Good land was vital for growing food.
 Crops could be grown and
cattle could be raised and
sold for profit.
 Normans usually settled on
flat or gently sloping lowlands
with fertile soil.

6. Near rivers
 The Normans usually
settled near rivers.
Why?
Water for drinking.
Transport routes.
Defensive moats.

7. Defensive sites
 The Normans feared attack from the Irish people.
 They lived in or close to castles for defense.

8. Clues for finding a Norman town
 A castle
 A motte
 Town walls or towers
 Old abbeys, monasteries or friaries.
 Norman placenames: 'castle', 'manor', or 'park'.