Irish Civil War Collection

The Great Battle of Dublin The capture of the Four Courts in Dublin. The Four Courts ablaze from end to end after the explosion. 1 July 1922

Irish Civil War, 1922 (b / w photo)
5998037 Irish Civil War, 1922 (b/w photo) by Irish Photographer (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Irish Civil War, 1922)

Hands shaking across Ireland (colour litho)
3094395 Hands shaking across Ireland (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hands shaking across Ireland)

The Four Courts on fire after being shelled by British Artillery after IRA took over Post Office Building in Dublin. July 1922

Belfast Slum
May 1922: Catholic refugees leave their homes in Antigua Street, Belfast during the Irish Civil War. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Four Courts Siege
Pro-treaty Free State soldiers use British artillery to attack the anti-Treaty Republican army who established their headquarters in the Four Courts in Dublin during the Irish Civil War

Four Courts Attacked
1922: The Four Courts, the headquarters of the anti-Treaty Republicans is shelled by Free State forces during the Irish Civil War. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)

Four Courts Siege
June 1922: Crowds gather outside the Irish Law Courts in Dublin where the anti-treaty section of the IRA have established their headquarters during the Irish Civil War

Air Force Gunner
September 1922: An Irish Air Force gunner getting into position in his bi-plane during the Irish Civil War. (Photo by Walshe/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Dublin 1922
June 1922: Dubliners at Quayside during the Siege of the Four Courts, headquarters of the anti-Treaty Republicans during the Irish Civil War. (Photo by Walshe/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Sea Landing
July 1922: British war vessels arriving at Donegal Bay during the Irish Civil War. (Photo by Crowder/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Shelled Courts
1st July 1922: A wrecked Lancia armoured car outside the Four Courts in Dublin, the headquarters of the anti-Treaty Republicans, having been shelled by Free State forces during the Irish Civil War

Irish Sniper
July 1922: A sniper at the foot of Nelsons column in Dublin. (Photo by Brooke/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Street Shelling
July 1922: Uniformed Free State troops fire an 18 pounder field gun at the Tramway House, during the Irish Civil War. They are using two damaged Lancia armoured cars for protection

Dublin 1922
July 1922: Devastation in Sackville Street, Dublin, after fighting between Free State and Republican Forces during the Irish Civil War. (Photo by Walshe/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Bombed Bridge
July 1922: A bridge in County Leitrim destroyed by Republican forces during the Irish Civil War. (Photo by Crowder/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

The Great Battle of Dublin Sackville Street during midday. 30 June 1922

The Great Battle of Dublin. An Irish Free State 18 pounder gun bombarding the Four Courts before the capture. High explosive shells being used. 30 June 1922

The Great Battle of Dublin The new government buildings, Dublin. 30 June 1922

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"The Irish Civil War, 1922: A Nation Divided in Conflict" In the midst of political turmoil and fierce ideological clashes, Ireland found itself engulfed in a devastating civil war. The Great Battle of Dublin became a defining moment as opposing forces clashed for control over the capital city. One iconic image captured the intensity of this conflict - the capture of the Four Courts in Dublin. This black and white photograph stands as a stark reminder of the violence that tore through Ireland during this tumultuous period. As tensions escalated, hands shook across Ireland, symbolizing both fear and determination to fight for their respective causes. A vivid colour lithograph depicted this powerful imagery, showcasing how deeply divided society had become. The Four Courts, once an emblematic symbol of justice, was reduced to ruins after being shelled by British Artillery following its takeover by IRA forces. The sight of these flames devouring such an important institution left a lasting impact on all who witnessed it. Beyond Dublin's borders lay Belfast Slum - another battleground where bitter confrontations unfolded between factions with differing loyalties. It served as a grim reminder that no corner of Ireland was spared from the ravages of war. The siege at Four Courts intensified as both sides fought relentlessly for control over this strategic stronghold. Images depicting brave soldiers attacking or defending these walls showcased their unwavering commitment to their cause amidst unimaginable chaos. Amidst this chaos, an air force gunner took aim from above - his presence highlighting how modern warfare technology played a role in shaping this conflict's outcome. Dublin 1922 saw not only land battles but also sea landings; troops arriving via waterways added yet another dimension to an already complex battlefield. These amphibious assaults further demonstrated each side's resolve to secure victory at any cost. Ultimately, history remembers those fateful moments when shells rained down upon the Four Courts - leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.