The homicide rate in Ireland is the lowest in Europe in the 1990s and declined sharply during the period 1837-1994. The rate remained stable in the 1980s and 1990s. These trends are contrary to the view that the author claims is held by the Irish public and the Irish and International media and raise questions about the reputation of the so-called "wild Irish" who emigrated to the United States and other countries in the 19th century. The peak homicide rates in Ireland occurred during and just after the potato famine (1845-1850), a time of great instability and dislocation. Compared to the United States and other countries, relatively few Irish homicides involve strangers and motives such as robbery, burglary and rape. Conviction of murder in Ireland carries an automatic life sentence; the average time served is 12 years. Ireland does not have a death penalty. References, tables, appendix