Introduction
The introduction of English into Ireland was a slow and painful process. Ireland began to be colonized by the English from the 12th century and control was strengthened by Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Ireland became independent in 1921 and English is one of the country's official languages. This variety of English is influenced by the Gaelic substratum. It is very similar to the English spoken in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland but it is very different from Scots Irish found in Ulster.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/Animated-Flag-Ireland.gif)
