Armed militias in Ireland

Ireland has unfortunately faced numerous political and military conflicts in the past. Its regular confrontation with the British, combined with deep territorial struggles, has given rise to many armed groups throughout Irish history.

Irish Armed Groups

Between Armed Conflicts and Ideological Struggles…

Most of the armed militias existing in Ireland were born from a single conflict: that between the Irish and the British. This centuries-old quarrel often escalated into violent clashes, leading to the creation of militias on both sides, such as the Black and Tans (on the English side), and the IRA (on the Irish side)…

Ideologically, the two sides have continuously opposed each other over the question of the independence of Ireland and Northern Ireland…

Although the conflict no longer exists in the Republic of Ireland, some militias still operate in Northern Ireland (through actions that are sometimes peaceful, sometimes violent). Here is an overview of the different groups that have marked Irish history, whether they are still active today or not: