The 1933 Dublin riot was the most intense political violence in the Irish Free State since the Civil War, targeting communist organizations over four nights.
Key Facts
- Duration
- 27–30 March 1933 (four nights)
- Crowd size
- Reportedly up to 6,000 people
- Injuries reported
- Over 20
- Primary target
- Connolly House, Great Strand Street
- Target organization
- Revolutionary Workers' Groups (RWG)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The riot arose from intense political unrest following the 1932 and 1933 Irish general elections, compounded by strident anti-communist rhetoric from Catholic Church clergy in Ireland. These tensions made left-wing organizations visible targets for public hostility.
Between 27 and 30 March 1933, crowds of up to 6,000 gathered outside Connolly House on Great Strand Street, headquarters of the communist Revolutionary Workers' Groups. Rioters eventually breached the building, set several structures alight, and attacked other Dublin locations associated with left-wing politics, leaving over 20 people injured.
The riot was described as the most intense political violence the Irish Free State had experienced since the Irish Civil War of the early 1920s, demonstrating the fragility of civic order and the depth of anti-communist sentiment in 1930s Irish society.
Political Outcome
Connolly House was breached and several buildings set alight; left-wing organizations in Dublin were suppressed by mob violence over four nights.