It's not just Irish history. That's a fair description of human history. I grant you that Irish history seems to be a bit more flamboyant than some. Not all others (Balkans, anyone?) but some.

As a Yank, I'm not exactly well-versed on Irish politics, or history. Part of it is, growing up where I did, there was a lot of reverence for things percieved to be Irish. And being the contrary critter I am. I deliberately ignored it all.