About the Irish News

How It All Began

The Irish News was founded in 1891 as a direct result of the involvement of Charles Stewart Parnell, one of the great figures in Irish Nationalism, in a celebrated divorce scandal. However the origins of the title lie 36 years earlier.

1855 The Read brothers launched the Belfast Morning News as Ireland's first penny newspaper. The Morning News first appeared on 2nd July 1855 in a highly competitive market.

1890 Charles Stewart Parnell's affair with Kitty O'Shea became public knowledge. Parnell led the Irish Nationalist campaigners, but his ensuing divorce scandal split the Nationalist camp into pro and anti Parnell factions.

1891 Whilst the Belfast Morning News remained loyal to Parnell, the Irish News was launched on an anti-Parnell platform on 15th August 1891. The anti-Parnell view prevailed and within a year the Irish News had taken over its failing rival.

The paper saw a dramatic growth in its circulation with historical events:

Great War (1914 - 1918)
Easter Rising 1916
Second World War (1939 – 1945)
Outbreak of the “Troubles” in 1969

1982 The paper came under total control of the company's present owners. This saw major investment in equipment and reorganisation of the editorial department.

1991 Re-launch of the Irish News including a new masthead

2000 Moved to new Euro format – 64 pages, full colour

2005 Switched to new Compact format – 96 pages, full colour

Today the Irish News is Northern Ireland’s largest selling morning newspaper.