The title of 'Duke of Ireland' was created in
1386 for
Robert de Vere, 9th Earl of Oxford, the favourite of King
Richard II of
England, who had previously been created 'Marquess of Dublin'. Both titles were
Life peerages. At this time, only parts of
Ireland (the
Lordship of Ireland) were under English rule. Despite its name, the Dukedom of Ireland is generally considered to have been one in the
Peerage of England, and is the first time that a Ducal title was created for someone who was not a close relative of the King. The Duke fell from favour shortly after receiving the title, which was forfeited in
1388.
Since
Henry VIII of England took the title
King of Ireland in
1541, Ireland was not used as a dukedom again.
== Dukes of Ireland (
1386) ==
★
Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland (d.
1392)
See also
★
Earl of Oxford