Irlande du Nord By Diane tA 1916 climaxing in the 1916 Easter Uprising in Dublin 1968 The Start of the troubles 1969 In 1969 Catholic civil rights marches and counter-protests by Protestant loyalists spiralled into violent unrest. 1970 1970-1990s paramilitary groups waged violent campaigns to pursue their goals. 1990 1990s negotiations took place between political parties and the British and Irish governments. 1998 the "Good Friday" agreement was signed.