- June 28, 1922
The Battle of Dublin took place during the Irish Civil War in June 1922, specifically from June 28 to July 05, 1922 that marked the beginning of the Irish Civil War.
Six months after the Anglo-Irish Treaty ended the recent Irish War of Independence, it was one of the significant engagements between pro-Treaty forces, the new Provisional Government, (supporters of the Anglo-Irish Treaty) and anti-Treaty forces, Irish Republican Army (IRA) (opponents of the treaty) in the early stages of the conflict.
The Irish Civil War had erupted due to divisions over the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, and the Battle of Dublin was part of the wider struggle between those who supported the establishment of the Irish Free State and those who rejected it in favor of a fully independent republic.
The fighting in Dublin primarily involved pro-Treaty forces commanded by Michael Collins, who was the Director of Intelligence for the National Army, the armed forces of the provisional government of the Irish Free State. Collins faced anti-Treaty forces, which included members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) opposed to the treaty.
The conflict in Dublin was characterized by street fighting and guerrilla warfare. The anti-Treaty forces occupied several key positions in the city, including the Four Courts, a major legal center. Michael Collins, leading the pro-Treaty forces, utilized artillery against the anti-Treaty positions.
The battle resulted in the bombardment and eventual surrender of anti-Treaty forces at the Four Courts on July 05, 1922. This marked a significant victory for the pro-Treaty side in Dublin, although the wider conflict continued to unfold in other parts of the country.
The Battle of Dublin was a pivotal moment in the early stages of the Irish Civil War, influencing the course of events and contributing to the eventual victory of the pro-Treaty forces. However, the conflict persisted for almost a year, with its impact resonating in Irish politics and society for many years to come.