The Ulster Special Constabulary - A Troubled History

The Ulster Special Constabulary was one of the most controversial forces in modern Irish history. Formed amid the violence and uncertainty of the early 1920s, it was viewed by many nationalists as a sectarian militia, while in parts of the unionist community it was remembered as a force that defended order during a time of upheaval. As debates around Irish unification return to the center of political life, the legacy of the past is once again intruding into the present. In this episode of the Irish History Podcast, Fin Dwyer is joined by historian Patrick Mulroe to examine the origins of the Ulster Special Constabulary, the conditions that led to its creation, and why its history remains so contested more than a century later. Drawing on his article ‘ Matters Best Forgotten’: The Ulster Special Constabulary in 1922 , Patrick explores how and why the force became associated with some of the worst violence of the decade, and why its story continues to provoke discomfort, silence and debate today. Support the show and get ad-free podcasts nd avideos Sound Kate Dunlea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can listen to The Ulster Special Constabulary - A Troubled History online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

The Ulster Special Constabulary - A Troubled History is an episode from Irish History Podcast by Fin Dwyer.

This episode is 45:12 long.

This episode was published on Feb 4, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Irish History Podcast when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.