Ardoyne - The Troubles

The Troubles

Republican paramilitary organisations have had a major influence in the area from the start of The Troubles in 1969. The rise in popularity of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) led to more police raids in the area, usually supported by the British Army. Internment (imprisonment without trial) affected many people in Ardoyne. Over the years after 1969, Provisional IRA membership in the area grew, so much so that it became one of the "no-go" areas listed by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and Army, due to rising security risks and casualties suffered by the armed forces upon entering the district. Subsequent to the Troubles some dissident republican activity has been recorded in the area.