Though forced displacement constituted a central and pervasive feature of the Northern Ireland 'Troubles' effecting tens of thousands of citizens, remarkably it has been afforded little more than a footnote or fleeting reference in most accounts of the conflict. This book seeks to 'end the silence' surrounding this neglected and ubiquitous aspect of the conflict. Based on 88 in-depth qualitative interviews with victims and survivors, and extensive secondary research, this fascinating study provides the first comprehensive examination of forced displacement in Northern Ireland. The analysis presented captures the unique perspectives of those forcibly uprooted over the course of the 30-year conflict and places on historical record their stories and experiences. This thought-provoking work challenges and broadens prevailing understandings of conflict-related violence, harm, and loss in Northern Ireland to demonstrate the centrality of forced movement, territory, and demographics to the roots and subsequent trajectory of the Troubles. In doing so, it shows that to fully understand the eruption and outplaying of the Troubles and its elusive peace, engagement with and understanding of the legacy of forced displacement is crucial.

About the Author
Dr Niall Gilmartin is Lecturer in Sociology in the School of Sociology and Applied Social Studies, Ulster University, Dr Brendan Ciaran Browne is Assistant Professor in Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation, Discipline of Peace Studies, at Trinity College Dublin.

Reviews

'This book makes a significant contribution to the literature in the field and that there is no doubt that it helps to plug a substantial gap in the debate about the Troubles and their legacy.'
Dr Patrick Fitzgerald, Head of Research and Development at The Mellon Centre for Migration Studies.

'This book makes a significant contribution to the literature in the field and that there is no doubt that it helps to plug a substantial gap in the debate about the Troubles and their legacy.'
Dr Patrick Fitzgerald, Head of Research and Development at The Mellon Centre for Migration Studies.

'The authors complement their sound theoretical framework with a rich variety of testimony of first-hand accounts of those who left their homes... thoroughly researched and well-presented.' Allan Leonard, Shared Future News

Book Information
ISBN 9781802077322
Author Niall Gilmartin
Format Hardback
Page Count 232
Imprint Liverpool University Press
Publisher Liverpool University Press