Religion, never an issue in Ireland, can not be equated to further trouble, catholics seemingly being assimilated. There is however, due to various migrations of people from different areas, a movement towards nationalism from previous non nationals. Dispersal of local populations being the reason.
The grandparents of Grace Kelly supposedly lived near Newport, County Mayo, now believed to be a non national area. Local history is interesting regarding Newport, now seen to be happening elsewhere. According to some accounts, schools were set up by the u.k. in various areas, Ballycroy included, and children had to go. Besides this there were evictions. In some areas residents were coerced to join the protestant denomination with threats of eviction; the protestant denomination being the church of Ireland, and political delegates not from the south. Some farmers joined, the Kellys being one clan. Reports are of a falling out with priests who advised against compliance. Difficult advice.