The Norman Invasion of Ireland began in 1169 when a group of Norman knights, led by Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, arrived to assist the Irish king Dermot MacMurrough. This marked the start of a significant military campaign that aimed to establish Norman control over parts of Ireland. The Normans quickly gained territory and influence, leading to the establishment of several strongholds. Over the following decades, the Normans expanded their presence, leading to the creation of the Lordship of Ireland in 1171, when Henry II of England claimed sovereignty over the island. This invasion set the stage for centuries of conflict and interaction between the Normans and the native Irish population.