ABSTRACT
The Conquest of Ireland was destined now to go no farther than the points it had reached, namely, Ulster east of Lough Neagh, Meath, Leinster, most of Connacht and Munster. The English Lordship was legally admitted, but in fact Ireland was already divided into the three areas of the Gaelic territories, still unconquered, the feudal Liberties, and the ‘English land’ divided into counties and ruled by sheriffs, which, and which only, the Dublin government could effectively control. The strength and success of this ‘English land’ depended on efficient government and effective support from England.
