The Enterprise of Ulster was a programme launched in the 1570s where Queen

Elizabeth I Elizabeth I (7 September 153324 March 1603) was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. Elizabeth was the last of the five House of Tudor monarchs and is sometimes referred to as the "Virgin Queen". El ...

tried to get English entrepreneurs settled in areas of Ireland troubled by the activities of Ulster. Under this programme Nicholas Malby, Thomas Chatterton and Sir Thomas Smith were granted large areas of Eastern Ulster and a larger area was granted to the Earl of Essex in 1571. It is believed that Malby never followed up regarding his grant, though he did serve in the military. This was an attempt by the crown to counter resistance in Ulster. This programme was, by all accounts, unsuccessful.

Background

For some time after the enterprise was established, the crown did not actively interfere in the affairs of the other Provinces of Ireland.

References

1570s in Ireland {{England-hist-stub