The Honourable The Irish Society

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The Honourable The Irish Society was the name given by the twelve great livery companies of the City of London, when they worked together in the plantation of Ulster, notably in the construction of the city of Londonderry. It was also particularly active in the city of Coleraine.

The primary conflict between the English monarchy and the Chieftains of Ireland ended in 1603 with the flight of the Earls. James I of England set forth to defend against a future attack from within or without. In his survey, he found that the town of Derry could become either a great asset as a control over the River Foyle and Lough Swilly, or it could become an inviting back door if the people of the area were against him.

James planned for a self-sustaining plantation in County Londonderry. Instead of handing it over to warriors or chieftains, he planned to trade the plantation to a syndicate of twelve London-based companies for their investment in designing and constructing the plantation. Those twelve companies became known as 'The Honourable The Irish Society'.