The Troubles engulfed Northern Ireland in conflict for nearly 30 years. It was – and remains – a contentious period, with roots going back centuries.

A fragile peace called the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998, yet many aspects of the conflict remain unresolved to this day.

Find out more about Northern Ireland and the Troubles in our four-part YouTube video series below.

The Troubles video series

Soldier stood in front of a map of Ireland, Northern Ireland covered in a British Union Jack flag
© IWM

This four-part series examines the entire history of the Troubles, from the causes of the conflict to the long and difficult peace negotiations:

  • Episode one: Origins  
  • Episode two: Escalation 
  • Episode three: Division 
  • Episode four: Peace

Watch episode one: How the Troubles began

More episodes in the series

Watch more episodes in our Northern Ireland and the Troubles series:

Soldier stood in front of a map of Ireland, Northern Ireland covered in a British Union Jack flag
© IWM
Northern Ireland and The Troubles

How the Troubles began

The complicated history of Northern Ireland is hotly contested. 

In the first episode, we take an in depth look at the origin of the Troubles. Though the conflict began in earnest in1969, the divisions that caused it can be traced back centuries.

Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972. Members of the Support Company, 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment pictured in action in the Bogside, Londonderry on Bloody Sunday.
© IWM MH 30538
Northern Ireland and The Troubles

A battled waged on British streets

1972 was the bloodiest year of the Troubles. But as the violence reached the new heights, all sides in the conflict were beginning to change.

We explore the deadliest decade of the Troubles and the events that would change the conflict entirely.

Soldier holding gun stood in front of wall mural that reads 'Prepared for peace, ready for war' in north Belfast during the Troubles
© IWM
Northern Ireland and The Troubles

Why is Northern Ireland divided?

For thirty years, the citizens of Northern Ireland lived through the Troubles. 

In the third episode of our series on the Troubles, we look at what was it like to live through this conflict, and – just as the situation seemed impossible – how the two sides finally came together for negotiations.

Related content

What you need to know about The Troubles
© IWM TR 32970-1
Northern Ireland and The Troubles

What You Need to Know About The Troubles

The Troubles was a period of conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Find out more about key moments in this conflict - a conflict with repercussions that are still being felt today. 

This mural showing King William III is painted on the oldest mural site in Belfast. First painted in 1934, it was retouched annually (sometimes completely repainted) in preparation for the 12 July Protestant marches.
© IWM CT 545
Northern Ireland and The Troubles

The origins of mural painting in Northern Ireland

Murals are a striking feature of Northern Ireland’s urban landscape, which often showcase moments in the turbulent history of the region. Found across many towns and cities, especially Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, they frequently illustrate political, religious and historical themes which reflect the ideas of the communities around them.

A vehicle Check Point on the road to Lifford in Eire manned by the Royal Welch Fusiliers in January 1974. The town of Strabane is seen in the background.
© IWM MH 30549
Conflict since 1945

20 Photos of The Troubles

Explore the history of The Troubles through 20 photographs selected from our collection.