Dublin and Monaghan bombings facts for kids

The Dublin and Monaghan bombings were a series of terrible attacks that happened in Dublin and Monaghan, Republic of Ireland. This took place on 17 May 1974. The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), a loyalist paramilitary group, used four car bombs. Three bombs exploded in Dublin and one in Monaghan.

These attacks killed 33 people and injured almost 300 others. It was the deadliest single attack during a period known as the Troubles. The Troubles was a conflict in Northern Ireland that also affected parts of the Republic of Ireland. It was also the worst attack in the Republic of Ireland's history.

What Happened?

On 17 May 1974, four car bombs exploded in Ireland. This happened during a busy Friday evening. The first three bombs went off in Dublin. The fourth bomb exploded later in Monaghan.

The Attacks in Dublin

The first bomb exploded on Parnell Street in Dublin at 5:28 PM. It was hidden in a green car. This bomb killed 10 people, including a pregnant woman and her two baby daughters.

Just two minutes later, at 5:30 PM, another bomb exploded on Talbot Street. This bomb was in a blue car. It killed 14 people, including a family of four. Many people were shopping or leaving work.

The third bomb went off at 5:32 PM on South Leinster Street. This bomb was in a black car. It killed two women. This street is near government buildings.

The Attack in Monaghan

About 90 minutes after the Dublin bombs, a fourth car bomb exploded in Monaghan town. This happened at 6:58 PM. The bomb was hidden in a brown car.

This attack killed seven more people. It caused a lot of damage to buildings and shops. The Monaghan bomb was very powerful.

Who Was Responsible?

The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) said they were responsible for these bombings. The UVF was a loyalist paramilitary group. They wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom.

The bombings were a major event during the Troubles. This was a time of conflict between different groups in Northern Ireland. The attacks caused a lot of shock and sadness across Ireland.

Remembering the Victims

The Dublin and Monaghan bombings are remembered every year. Memorials have been built to honor those who died. These memorials help people remember the victims and the tragic events of that day.

Many people still seek answers about the attacks. They want to know why it happened and who exactly was involved. The bombings remain a very sensitive topic in Irish history.

Images for kids

• 

  A 2006 view of Talbot Street where a further 14 people died

• 

  Memorial on Parnell Street

• 

  Reverse of Talbot Street memorial

See Also

• Atentados de Dublín y Monaghan para niños (In Spanish)