A groundbreaking effort has restored and released a treasure trove of long-lost Irish historical records—spanning 700 years—that were thought gone forever after being destroyed in the civil war. These documents reveal everything from high-stakes espionage and political scandals to the everyday lives of ordinary people, covering pivotal moments like the Anglo-Norman conquest and the 1798 rebellion. Over 175,000 records (and millions of words) are now freely searchable, piecing together fragments of Ireland’s fragmented past.

Editor’s Note: Imagine entire chapters of a nation’s story suddenly reappearing after being erased. For Ireland, this isn’t just academic—it’s emotional. These records reconnect people with ancestors, clarify murky historical events, and offer scholars (or just curious folks) a clearer lens into centuries of struggle, intrigue, and resilience. It’s like finding a missing puzzle piece for a country still reckoning with its past.