October 17

Bridge to the Isle of Skye opened.

October 17, 1995

John Dillon announces Plan of Campaign for Irish tenants against unfair rents.

October 17, 1886

The Irish Nationalist League is founded

October 17, 1882

James Paraffin Young obtained a patent for the extraction of paraffin from shale, starting the chemical industry in West Lothian.

October 17, 1850

William Smith O'Brien, Young Irelander, born in Dromoland, Co. Clare

October 17, 1803

In a duel at Mullingar, Arthur Rochfort, MP for Co. Westmeath, shoots Dillon Pollard Hampson in the stomach, he recovers

October 17, 1738

Battle of Nevilles Cross during which King David II was captured by the English.

October 17, 1346

Henry II, fearful that Strongbow will grow too powerful in Ireland, lands at Waterford with an army

October 17, 1171