The Peerage of Ireland refers to the system of nobility in Ireland, which includes titles such as duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron. Established in the medieval period, it was part of the broader British peerage system. The titles were granted by the monarch and often came with land and privileges. Although the Peerage of Ireland was officially created in the 17th century, it became less significant after the Act of Union in 1801, which merged the Irish and British parliaments. Today, the peerage exists mainly in a ceremonial capacity, with many titles still held by descendants of the original peers.