Alright, let's imagine you have a box of toys that you and your friend like to play with. But sometimes you both want to play with the same toy at the same time, and this can cause arguments and fights.
To solve this problem, your parents come up with a special rule called a treaty. This treaty says that you and your friend will take turns playing with the toy. For example, you get to play with it for 10 minutes, and then your friend gets to play with it for 10 minutes. This way, you both get a fair chance to play and have fun.
Now, let's imagine that instead of toys, we are talking about ports in Ireland. A port is like a special place where big ships can come and dock. These ships bring all kinds of things like food, clothes, and toys from other places.
In the past, there were some arguments between different countries about who could use certain ports in Ireland. So, the countries decided to make treaties or special agreements to solve this problem.
These treaties, also known as treaty ports, are like the rules your parents made for you and your friend. They say that different countries can use the ports in Ireland at different times. For example, one country may use the port for a certain number of years, and then it's another country's turn.
The treaty ports were a way for these countries to share and take turns using the ports peacefully. It helped prevent arguments and fights over who could use them.
These treaty ports played an important role in Ireland's history, especially during times when there were conflicts between different countries. They helped maintain peace and allow for trade and exchange between nations.
Just like your toy-sharing treaty, the treaty ports in Ireland were an agreement between countries to share and take turns using the ports, so everyone could benefit and avoid disagreements.