The Provisional IRA

The Provisional IRA (Irish Republican Army) was an Irish paramilitary organization active mainly from the 1960s to 2005, seeking to end British rule in Northern Ireland and unify Ireland. It engaged in armed campaigns, including bombings and shootings, targeting British authorities and infrastructure. The group viewed itself as fighting for Irish independence and civil rights. Over time, due to political negotiations, violence decreased, and the IRA primarily shifted to political activity through the Sinn Féin party. Its actions and legacy remain controversial, representing both a fight for Irish nationalism and a chapter of conflict that impacted many lives in Northern Ireland and beyond.