It isn't really true to say that Ireland or Wales were what we would consider sovereign countries by modern standards before English rule/colonisation.

Ireland had a vast number of minor and major kingdoms with perhaps only Brian Boru being close to a true ruler over all Ireland, and that for less than 20 years in the early 11th century.

Similarly Wales have various kingdoms and only Gruffydd ap Llywelyn ruled a united Wales, again for a short period of time (less than 10 years) in the 11th century.

What both countries did have was a strong cultural identity across their various kingdoms, especially in contrast to the Anglo-Saxon and Norman ruled majority in England.