The IRISH Republican Army (IRA) was a paramilitary organization that sought to end British rule in Ireland and establish an independent IRISH Republic. It was active from 1919 to 1923, and again from 1969 to 1998. The IRA was responsible for numerous attacks on British forces, as well as civilian targets, during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The organization was also involved in a number of political activities, including negotiations with the British government.