What was the Easter Rising?

A Dublin street destroyed by fighting between Republicans and the British during the 1916 Easter Rising Credit: PA

What was the Easter Rising?

  • A Republican rebellion against British rule in Ireland in 1916

  • 1,350 people were killed or injured during the six day insurrection, which was crushed by the British

  • 15 of the rebel leaders were lined up against a wall in Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol and shot by a British firing squad

  • Around 3,500 people were taken prisoner by the British

An Easter Rebellion centenary wall painting on Marks Alley West in Dublin Credit: PA

Why is the Easter Rising being commemorated?

  • Events this weekend are marking 100 years since the rebellion

  • The uprising is seen as being a significant step towards the partition of Ireland and the establishment of the Republic