European year of the Normans reopens debate over Irish identity

Thoor Ballylee, a Norman tower house near Galway. The Normans built castles and cathedrals and enriched culture and literature, historians say. Photograph: David Lyons/Alamy

Nearly nine centuries after the Normans clanked ashore with swords and armour, Ireland is still wrestling with the question: what did they ever do for us?

A decision by the government this week to join a European cultural initiative called 2027 European year of the Normans has reopened a debate that goes to the core of Irish identity.