Each Easter, Ireland commemorates the Easter Rising of 1916, a defining moment in the country’s path to independence. What began as a rebellion against British rule, led by a small group of revolutionaries in Dublin, grew into a symbol of national identity and sacrifice.
Although the Rising itself was crushed within a week, the execution of its leaders shocked the public and changed the course of Irish history. The event is now remembered not only as a military action, but as a political, cultural and emotional milestone.
From the GPO to local school projects, the Easter Rising remains a vital link between Ireland’s past and present.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 20 April 1916 | The Aud, a German ship carrying arms for the rebels, is intercepted off the coast of Kerry. Roger Casement is captured after landing by submarine. |
| 23 April 1916 (Easter Sunday) | The planned Rising is mostly cancelled after Eoin MacNeill issues a countermanding order. |
| 24 April 1916 (Easter Monday) | The Rising begins in Dublin. Patrick Pearse reads the Proclamation from outside the GPO. Rebels occupy key buildings. |
| 25–28 April 1916 | Fierce fighting takes place. British reinforcements arrive. Central Dublin is heavily shelled, with high civilian casualties. |
| 29 April 1916 | The rebels surrender unconditionally. Over 450 people are killed, more than half civilians. |
| 3–12 May 1916 | Fifteen leaders are executed, including Pearse, Connolly, and Clarke. James Connolly is shot while strapped to a chair. |
| May–June 1916 | Public opinion turns in favour of the rebels following the executions and mass arrests. |
| July 1916 | Éamon de Valera, spared execution, begins to rise as a political leader. |
| 1917–1918 | Sinn Féin gains popular support amid internments. Nationalist politics begin to shift. |
| December 1918 | Sinn Féin wins a landslide election victory and refuses to take seats in Westminster. |
| 21 January 1919 | The First Dáil is declared. The War of Independence begins with the Soloheadbeg ambush. |
Strand 2: Ireland, 1912–1949
Learning about the Easter Rising, independence movement, and nation-building.
Analysing historical sources, leadership, consequences, and perspectives.
Promotes critical thinking around national identity, citizenship, and justice.
Encourages reflection on conflict and peaceful resolution.
Modern Ireland (Topic 2 or 3): Exploring the political, cultural, and military dynamics that led to and followed 1916.
Encourages students to reflect on the shift from armed rebellion to democratic process.
Highlights the importance of inclusive historical understanding, national memory, and critical engagement with the past.
Timeline-based exploration of the tricolour’s history and meaning, with student activity ideas.
View ResourceLesson to describe the Irish flag and brainstorm its symbolism and origins.
View ResourceActivity to explore the legacy of Meagher and his role in creating the Irish flag.
View ResourceTimeline activity showing the key political events behind the Irish flag (1848–1916).
View ResourceExplores diverse interpretations of the tricolour and promotes respectful dialogue.
View ResourceClassroom debate around different opinions on the national flag.
View ResourceCreative project encouraging students to write their own version of the 1916 Proclamation.
View ResourceVideo resource explaining how the original 1916 Proclamation was produced and printed.
View ResourceShort biographical notes on key figures of the Rising from the Department of Taoiseach.
View ResourceSlideshow overview of causes, events, and figures of the 1916 Rising.
View ResourceFootage and commentary showing British troop movements and destruction during the Rising.
View ResourceFirst-hand recollections describing the Rising from 24–29 April 1916.
View ResourceExtensive archive of personal stories, historical analysis, and multimedia content related to the Easter Rising.
View ResourceComprehensive overview of the 1916 Easter Rising, its causes, events, and aftermath.
View ResourceRadio documentary exploring the history and significance of the Irish tricolour flag.
View ResourceInsight into one of the few surviving copies of the original 1916 Proclamation.
View ResourceDetailed timeline of the events during the Easter Rising week in April 1916.
View ResourceCollection of interviews and footage from participants and witnesses of the Easter Rising.
View ResourceRadio segment discussing Thomas Francis Meagher and the origins of the Irish flag.
View ResourceArticle detailing the history of the Irish Citizen Army's flag used during the Rising.
View ResourceCoverage of national events commemorating the 1916 Proclamation in schools and communities.
View ResourceProfile of the printer who produced the original 1916 Proclamation.
View Resource| Title / Description | Newspaper | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easter 1916 Reflections and Reactions – 100 Year Anniversary Coverage | Irish Daily Star (ACT) | 14 April 2016 | View Article |
| Remembering the Rising: A Look at How Irish Schools Are Teaching 1916 | Midland Tribune (MCR) | 17 September 2016 | View Article |
| 1916: The Centenary in Schools and Local Community Events | Carlow Nationalist (CTT) | 18 March 2016 | View Article |
| Legacy of the Easter Rising Still Resonates Today | Kilkenny People (KNT) | 19 September 2017 | View Article |
| Women of 1916: Often Overlooked, Now Recognised | Westmeath Examiner (WNS) | 8 March 2016 | View Article |
| Historic Look Back: Commemorating 50 Years Since 1916 | Irish Independent (IND) | 4 March 1966 | View Article |
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