Most of these laws were put in place to counter the great Irish ability to assimilate all comers...After a generation or two, most of Cromwell's occupying forces were; marrying Irish, riding bareback, growing wild beards, singing Irish songs and speaking Gaelic and having a grand time....hardly suitable, hence the laws..Which were observed for less then the time that it took to compose them..This was most evident beyond, as opposed to, within the "Pale"...Hence the expression..
Sorry, the Pale being that small area of Ireland under total English control..
Most of these laws were put in place to counter the great Irish ability to assimilate all comers We are the Irish. Lower your shields. Power down your weapons. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
Seriously, you are right - Ireland is the original melting-pot!!