The legacies of the Troubles in Ireland and Northern Ireland today
An exploration of the sectarian violence that engulfed Northern Ireland, and how the conflict still shapes politics, memory, community relations, and identity across both Ireland and Northern Ireland today.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
The Troubles were a brutal 30-year struggle which have left their mark on modern Ireland. This course dives into the history of the Troubles, examining how the violence, division, and peace processes continue to affect political systems, communal memory, and inter-generational narratives. The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement will be unpacked (as will why it has two names). It will look at truth recovery, disputes over symbols and parades, legacy institutions, and ongoing challenges to reconciliation.
Roots, escalation, and resolution of the Troubles.
The structures and outcomes of the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement.
The political institutions in Northern Ireland, how they function, and why they collapse.
Mechanisms of transitional justice: inquiries, truth recovery, and memorialisation.
Sectarian legacies in education, policing, flags, murals, and parades.
Attitudes in the Republic of Ireland towards the Troubles and the peace process.
The impact of Northern Ireland on Irish politics.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Discuss key historical milestones of the Troubles effectively.
Identify how legacy issues persist in politics and daily life.
Critically evaluate truth and reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland.
Understand contested memory sites and narratives in divided communities.
Understand where the Troubles and Northern Ireland fit into contemporary politics in the Republic of Ireland.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered through a blend of tutor-led talks and discussions. You will be encouraged to actively participate, share your perspectives, and engage critically with the material. Contributions to group dialogue are welcomed as a key part of the learning experience, and for a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints can be explored and debated constructively.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no extra costs for this course, though you may find it helpful to bring a notebook or electronic device to take notes during sessions.
Dr Stephen Goss is a former lecturer in history at Queen’s University Belfast. A published academic, his area of focus is 19th and 20th Century British, Irish and European history, specialising in the Cold War. Previously a Life-long Learning Lecturer at Stranmillis University College, he is now an Expert Tour Guide at the Imperial War Museum and Churchill War Rooms, and has been a popular speaker in museums, historical societies, u3a, Probus, and the Women's Institute for over fifteen years. Stephen has also conducted policy and research for Campaign for Better Transport and writes regularly for a leading independent news and analysis site on Northern Irish current affairs.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-legacies-of-the-troubles-in-ireland-and-northern-ireland-today2640189The legacies of the Troubles in Ireland and Northern Ireland todayhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/t/h/the-legacies-of-the-troubles-in-ireland-and-northern-ireland-today-hpc304.jpg189189GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/British politics & society/Courses/vm/Issues Facing Our World22851177167713536170012285117716771653<p>An exploration of the sectarian violence that engulfed Northern Ireland, and how the conflict still shapes politics, memory, community relations, and identity across both Ireland and Northern Ireland today. </p>003031120The legacies of the Troubles in Ireland and Northern Ireland today189189https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/t/h/the-legacies-of-the-troubles-in-ireland-and-northern-ireland-today-hpc304_2.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-20T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC304189189The legacies of the Troubles in Ireland and Northern Ireland today151123189Stephen Gossthe-legacies-of-the-troubles-in-ireland-and-northern-ireland-today/hpc304-2627<p>An exploration of the sectarian violence that engulfed Northern Ireland, and how the conflict still shapes politics, memory, community relations, and identity across both Ireland and Northern Ireland today. </p>0000-Available|2026-10-20 00:00:00<p>The Troubles were a brutal 30-year struggle which have left their mark on modern Ireland. This course dives into the history of the Troubles, examining how the violence, division, and peace processes continue to affect political systems, communal memory, and inter-generational narratives. The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement will be unpacked (as will why it has two names). It will look at truth recovery, disputes over symbols and parades, legacy institutions, and ongoing challenges to reconciliation.</p><p>Image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shankilltroubles.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fribber on Wikimedia Commons</a> - <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p><p>An exploration of the sectarian violence that engulfed Northern Ireland, and how the conflict still shapes politics, memory, community relations, and identity across both Ireland and Northern Ireland today. </p><ul><li>Roots, escalation, and resolution of the Troubles.</li><li>The structures and outcomes of the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement.</li><li>The political institutions in Northern Ireland, how they function, and why they collapse.</li><li>Mechanisms of transitional justice: inquiries, truth recovery, and memorialisation.</li><li>Sectarian legacies in education, policing, flags, murals, and parades.</li><li>Attitudes in the Republic of Ireland towards the Troubles and the peace process. </li><li>The impact of Northern Ireland on Irish politics.</li></ul><ul><li>Discuss key historical milestones of the Troubles effectively.</li><li>Identify how legacy issues persist in politics and daily life.</li><li>Critically evaluate truth and reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland.</li><li>Understand contested memory sites and narratives in divided communities.</li><li>Understand where the Troubles and Northern Ireland fit into contemporary politics in the Republic of Ireland.</li></ul><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p></p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>The course will be delivered through a blend of tutor-led talks and discussions. You will be encouraged to actively participate, share your perspectives, and engage critically with the material. Contributions to group dialogue are welcomed as a key part of the learning experience, and for a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints can be explored and debated constructively. </p><p>There are no extra costs for this course, though you may find it helpful to bring a notebook or electronic device to take notes during sessions.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/british-politics-society" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our upcoming online and in-person British Politics courses.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Give a friend £20 off their first course</strong></a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsBritish politics & societyvirtual151189123HPC304NONETue20/10/26 - 24/11/2615:00 - 17:0015:0017:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetStephen GossBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-20T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities189189The legacies of the Troubles in Ireland and Northern Ireland todaythe-legacies-of-the-troubles-in-ireland-and-northern-ireland-today/hpc304-2627<p>An exploration of the sectarian violence that engulfed Northern Ireland, and how the conflict still shapes politics, memory, community relations, and identity across both Ireland and Northern Ireland today. </p>0000-Available|2026-10-20 00:00:00<p>The Troubles were a brutal 30-year struggle which have left their mark on modern Ireland. This course dives into the history of the Troubles, examining how the violence, division, and peace processes continue to affect political systems, communal memory, and inter-generational narratives. The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement will be unpacked (as will why it has two names). It will look at truth recovery, disputes over symbols and parades, legacy institutions, and ongoing challenges to reconciliation.</p><p>Image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shankilltroubles.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fribber on Wikimedia Commons</a> - <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p><p>An exploration of the sectarian violence that engulfed Northern Ireland, and how the conflict still shapes politics, memory, community relations, and identity across both Ireland and Northern Ireland today. </p><ul><li>Roots, escalation, and resolution of the Troubles.</li><li>The structures and outcomes of the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement.</li><li>The political institutions in Northern Ireland, how they function, and why they collapse.</li><li>Mechanisms of transitional justice: inquiries, truth recovery, and memorialisation.</li><li>Sectarian legacies in education, policing, flags, murals, and parades.</li><li>Attitudes in the Republic of Ireland towards the Troubles and the peace process. </li><li>The impact of Northern Ireland on Irish politics.</li></ul><ul><li>Discuss key historical milestones of the Troubles effectively.</li><li>Identify how legacy issues persist in politics and daily life.</li><li>Critically evaluate truth and reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland.</li><li>Understand contested memory sites and narratives in divided communities.</li><li>Understand where the Troubles and Northern Ireland fit into contemporary politics in the Republic of Ireland.</li></ul><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p></p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>The course will be delivered through a blend of tutor-led talks and discussions. You will be encouraged to actively participate, share your perspectives, and engage critically with the material. Contributions to group dialogue are welcomed as a key part of the learning experience, and for a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints can be explored and debated constructively. </p><p>There are no extra costs for this course, though you may find it helpful to bring a notebook or electronic device to take notes during sessions.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/british-politics-society" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our upcoming online and in-person British Politics courses.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Give a friend £20 off their first course</strong></a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsBritish politics & societyconfigurable
135361677British politics & societyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/british-politics-society1/2/285/1177/1677/135361/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/British politics & society
