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Taken from the AI:

England's invasion and subsequent control of Ireland stemmed from a complex mix of factors, including internal Irish strife, English ambition for land and resources, and religious and political tensions, culminating in a long period of British rule.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Internal Irish Strife and the Anglo-Norman
Invasion:

In the late 12th century, Diarmait Mac Murchada, the deposed King of Leinster, sought help from Anglo-Norman mercenaries, including Richard de Clare (Strongbow), to regain his throne.

Henry II's Intervention:

King Henry II of England, fearing a powerful independent Norman state in Ireland, intervened in 1171, landing with a large army and asserting his authority over the island.

The Lordship of Ireland and the Kingdom of Ireland:

Initially, England's control was limited to a region around Dublin known as the Pale, but over time, England's influence expanded. In 1536, Henry VIII established the Kingdom of Ireland, marking a further step towards English control.

Tudor Conquest and
Religious Tensions:

The Tudor dynasty, particularly Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, sought to bring Ireland under firmer English control, leading to a period of conquest, coercion, and colonization. Religious differences, with the Irish largely remaining Catholic while England became Protestant, fueled further conflict.

Land Confiscation and Plantations:

The English government confiscated vast tracts of Irish land and established "plantations," settling English and Scottish Protestants in Ireland.

Rebellions and Resistance:

The Irish resisted English rule through various rebellions, including the Second Desmond Rebellion (1579-1583) and the Irish Rebellion of 1641.

The Cromwellian Conquest:

Oliver Cromwell's forces conquered Ireland in the 1650s, leading to further land confiscations and harsh treatment of the Irish Catholic population.

The Act of Union and Continued Rule:

In 1800, the Act of Union formally merged Ireland with Great Britain, leading to continued British rule until the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) and the subsequent partition of Ireland.

The Troubles:

The partition of Ireland into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland led to decades of conflict, known as "The Troubles," fueled by sectarianism and political tensions.