The timelines below chronicle known examples of paramilitary and politically motivated violence during the Troubles. These chronologies are updated as new information becomes available. We welcome information about errors or incidents not listed here. In these timelines the term “civilian” is used for individuals or victims with no known or established political or paramilitary affiliations. Acronyms are used for the following groups:
Republicans
INLA: Irish National Liberation Army
IRA: Irish Republican Army
OIRA: Official Irish Republican Army
ONH: Oglaigh na hEireann
PIRA: Provisional Irish Republican Army
Loyalists
RHC: Red Hand Commando
UDA: Ulster Defence Association
UFF: Ulster Freedom Fighters
UVF: Ulster Volunteer Force
Government and military
RUC: Royal Ulster Constabulary
SAS: Special Air Service
UDR: Ulster Defence Regiment
Timeline of political violence: 1969-1971
Timeline of political violence: 1972-1973
Timeline of political violence: 1974-1975
Timeline of political violence: 1976-1979
Timeline of political violence: 1980-1984
Timeline of political violence: 1985-1989