The Lordship of Ireland is a period of feudal rule in Ireland between 1177 and 1542 under the King of England, styled as Lord of Ireland.

The lordship is created as a Papal possession following the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169–71.

As the Lord of Ireland is also King of England, he is represented locally by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.Ostensibly, the lordship extend throughout all of Ireland.

However, in reality, the king's rule only ever extends to parts of the island.

Areas under English rule expand and retreat over time.

Many areas remain separate and outside English rule until the 16th century.The fluid political situation and feudal system allows a significant amount of practical autonomy for the Hiberno-Norman nobility, who carve earldoms out for themselves and have almost as much authority as some of the native Gaelic kings.

The period is brought to a close by the creation of the Kingdom of Ireland in 1542.