Celtic tribes arrived on the island of Ireland between 600 and 150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian Boru defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties. Six northern counties remained part of the UK and became what is now Northern Ireland. In 1949, the Republic of Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth. It joined the European Community in 1973.

Broadcast media in Ireland is dominated by publicly-owned broadcaster Radio Telefis Eireann, which operates two television stations. Additionally, several commercial television stations are available, and about 75% of households are connected to multichannel satellite and TV services which provide access to a wide range of stations. Radio Telefis Eireann operates four national radio stations and has launched digital audio broadcasts on several stations. There are also a number of commercial broadcast stations operating at the national, regional, and local levels.

Ireland has very well established print media. The main national daily newspapers include: The Irish Times, Irish Independent, and Irish Examiner. All three pre-date the establishment of the Republic of Ireland. In addition to Irish dailies, all major British broadsheet and tabloid publications are easily available throughout the country. There are also many local newspapers available across Ireland.