See also: 1895 in Ireland, other events of 1896, 1897 in Ireland and the list of 'years in Ireland'.

Events

• James Connolly founds the Irish Republican Socialist Party.
• John Dillon assumes the leadership of the anti-Parnellite wing of the Home Rule Party.
• An extension is made to Arthur Balfour's Land Act. 1,500 bankrupt estates are made available for sale to tenants.
• Ireland's first motor vehicle laws are introduced.
• The first electric tram runs in the streets of Dublin.
• The Limavady hoard of prehistoric gold objects is discovered by Tom Nicholl while ploughing.
• Ireland's first cinema shows are held at Dan Lowry's Music Hall in Dublin.

Arts and literature

Sports

• John Pius Boland wins gold medals for tennis at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Births

Deaths