Protestant Dissent and Controversy in Ireland is an impressive pioneering study of how Quakers, Independents, Scottish and English Presbyterians fared in Ireland between 1660-1714. Each group is studied through controversies that arose within and between them, which served to sharpen their self-perception and mould Protestant consciousness in late 17th century Ireland.

After the dramatic upheavals of the Interregnum, the Restoration period was marked by a slow, gradual growth in awareness and articulation as to where dissenting groups stood in the country, what strengths and weaknesses they had and how these could be addressed. Central to the growth of dissent was the idea of church and community; diverging views often erupted into public debate, as examined through tracts, pamphlets and sermons, which served to increase understanding and knowledge within each tradition. Indeed, contrasting forms of religious experience created a broad and rich tradition of religious dissent among the Protestant community in Ireland at this time.

The civil war period saw the foundation or further growth of dissenting groups in Ireland. Prior to that, dissent had been barely comprehended within the Established Church, under the leadership of James Ussher. After 1660 it was well and truly outside and could not be contained. The passage to self awareness and definition was difficult and uncertain for Quakers, Independents, Scottish and English Presbyterians, but each succeeded in making their mark and contributed to the development of religious ideas and controversy in the late 17th and early 18th century.

This original study charts the development and provides an understanding of Protestant mentality in Ireland during this period and will be an essential reference in our perception of some of the problems facing Northern Ireland today. Phil Kilroy, University of Ulster