15 Facts You Didn’t Know About the IRA in Ireland

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) has been a pivotal yet contentious force in Irish and British history. Established in 1919, the IRA has engaged in prolonged and complex activities aimed at ending British rule in Northern Ireland and achieving Irish reunification. Its multifaceted operations and the diverse perspectives on its actions continue to captivate historians and the public alike (britannica.com).

1. The IRA’s Origins Date Back to 1919

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) was officially founded in 1919, emerging from earlier nationalist groups such as the Irish Volunteers. The IRA played a decisive role in Ireland’s struggle for independence, engaging in guerrilla warfare against British forces. Its original goal was to establish an Irish republic, a vision that evolved over time but remained central to its mission (bbc.com).

2. The IRA Split into Multiple Factions

In December 1969, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) experienced a significant division, leading to the formation of the Provisional IRA and the Official IRA. This split was primarily due to differing views on Northern Ireland’s status and strategy. The Provisional IRA, under leaders like Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, advocated for armed struggle to end British rule, while the Official IRA, led by Cathal Goulding, leaned towards Marxist ideology and political engagement (en.wikipedia.org).

3. The Provisional IRA Fought a ‘Long War’

The Provisional IRA committed to a prolonged campaign known as the ‘Long War,’ targeting British control in Northern Ireland. This strategy involved organized armed actions and political campaigns that spanned over 30 years, aiming to end British rule and achieve Irish reunification. The campaign’s duration and intensity significantly impacted the socio-political landscape of Northern Ireland. Source: The Irish Times.

4. The IRA’s Arsenal Was International

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) sourced its weaponry from various international locations, including Libya, the United States, and Europe. Libya, under Muammar Gaddafi, was a significant supplier, providing the IRA with substantial quantities of arms and explosives. These clandestine routes and international connections were crucial in sustaining the IRA’s armed campaign (theguardian.com).

5. The IRA Was Labeled as a Terrorist Organization

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) has been officially designated as a terrorist organization by the British and Irish governments, as well as other entities. In the United Kingdom, the IRA is proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000, making membership and support illegal. Similarly, in the Republic of Ireland, the IRA is deemed an unlawful organization under the Offences Against the State Acts. Internationally, the United States has also designated the IRA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. However, this label is contested and varies depending on perspective; some view the IRA as freedom fighters, while others see them as terrorists (en.wikipedia.org).

6. Sinn Féin’s Connection to the IRA

Sinn Féin, a political party in Ireland, has had a complex and often controversial relationship with the Irish Republican Army (IRA). While Sinn Féin has consistently distanced itself from the armed group, emphasizing its commitment to peaceful and democratic means, the party’s historical ties and shared ideological roots with the IRA have been subjects of debate. For instance, Sinn Féin’s leaders have been accused of downplaying the IRA’s violent actions during the Troubles. Additionally, Sinn Féin has faced criticism for its alleged reluctance to fully acknowledge the IRA’s past activities (bbc.com).

7. The IRA Ceasefire of 1994

On August 31, 1994, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) declared a “complete cessation” of military operations, marking a pivotal moment in the Northern Ireland peace process. This ceasefire paved the way for subsequent negotiations, including the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which aimed to establish a devolved government and address key issues such as policing and human rights (rte.ie).

8. The IRA Had Its Own Intelligence Network

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) established an extensive and effective intelligence network both in Ireland and England, utilizing informers and sophisticated counter-surveillance techniques. This network was crucial for operational security and planning, enabling the IRA to execute operations while minimizing the risk of detection. For instance, during the Troubles, the Garda Síochána maintained a network of paid informants within the IRA, with contacts in “practically every county,” providing valuable intelligence on the organization’s activities (irishtimes.com).

9. The ‘Armalite and Ballot Box’ Strategy

In the 1980s, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Sinn Féin adopted a dual-pronged approach known as the ‘Armalite and Ballot Box’ strategy. This involved combining armed struggle with political participation, leading to Sinn Féin’s increased prominence in elections while violence continued. The term ‘Armalite’ refers to the AR-18 assault rifle, symbolizing the armed struggle, while ‘ballot box’ signifies electoral engagement (en.wikipedia.org).

10. The Maze Prison Escape

On September 25, 1983, 38 Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) prisoners orchestrated a daring escape from Northern Ireland’s Maze Prison, then considered Europe’s most secure facility. Armed with smuggled handguns and knives, they overpowered prison staff, hijacked a food delivery truck, and breached the prison’s perimeter. This escape, the largest in British peacetime history, showcased the IRA’s organizational prowess and boldness (history.com).

11. The IRA’s Role in the Hunger Strikes

In 1981, Irish Republican Army (IRA) prisoners initiated a hunger strike at Northern Ireland’s Maze Prison, demanding political status and improved conditions. The strike led to the deaths of ten men, including Bobby Sands, who was elected as a Member of Parliament during the protest. This event galvanized public opinion and significantly influenced Irish politics (bbc.com).

12. IRA Funding Came from Many Sources

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) financed its operations through a diverse array of methods. Domestically, the group engaged in activities such as bank robberies, extortion, and smuggling. Internationally, it received support from the Irish diaspora, notably through organizations like the Irish Northern Aid Committee (NORAID), which raised funds for families of imprisoned IRA members. Additionally, the IRA secured arms and financial support from foreign governments, including Libya. These varied funding sources were crucial in sustaining the IRA’s campaigns over several decades (Irish Central).

13. International Support for the IRA

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) received significant support from Irish communities abroad, particularly in the United States. Organizations like the Irish Northern Aid Committee (NORAID) were instrumental in raising funds and providing resources to the IRA. Additionally, the IRA secured arms and financial assistance from foreign governments, notably Libya, which supplied substantial quantities of weapons and explosives in the 1980s. This international backing was crucial in sustaining the IRA’s operations over several decades (allmilitaryoperations.com).

14. IRA Decommissioning of Weapons

Following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) agreed to disarm and decommission its weapons, a process overseen by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD). In 2005, the IICD confirmed that the IRA had completed the decommissioning of its arms, marking a significant milestone in the Northern Ireland peace process (bbc.com).

15. Legacy and Debate Over ‘The Troubles’

The legacy of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the broader conflict known as ‘The Troubles’ continues to be a subject of intense debate within Ireland and internationally. The 1998 Good Friday Agreement aimed to address the past and promote reconciliation, yet challenges persist. In 2023, the UK government introduced the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act, offering conditional amnesty to those involved in the conflict. This legislation has been met with widespread criticism from victims’ families, human rights organizations, and political parties, who argue that it undermines justice and accountability. The Irish government has considered legal action against the UK over the bill, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the legacy of the conflict. The complexities of remembering and interpreting this period underscore the difficulties in achieving a shared understanding and healing within affected communities (degruyter.com).