Aerial black and white photograph of a large rectangular prison complex with multiple wings and courtyards, still and solemn

Gallery

Images connected to the 1981 H-Block Hunger Strike and the commemorative activities marking its 40th anniversary.

This gallery gathers images relating to the 1981 hunger strike and to the commemorations held by Stailc 81 during the 40th anniversary year. It sits alongside the committee's Anthology and Events pages as part of the wider record of remembrance.

Aerial black and white photograph of a large rectangular prison complex with multiple wings, grey and shadowed
The H-Block complex, site of the 1981 hunger strike.
Muted black and white photograph of a single candle burning in darkness, quiet and reflective
Remembrance imagery used in commemorative material.
Faded grey photograph of a stone memorial wall with wreaths laid at its base
Commemorative gatherings mark the anniversary each year.

Further images from the 40th anniversary commemorations, including material shared alongside the Night of Story & Song event, may be added to this collection over time.

See the Commemorative Programme

Read more about the events organised to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike.

View Events

The images gathered in this gallery form a living visual record of the 1981 H-Block hunger strike and the steadfast struggle that surrounded it. From the grim walls of the prison complex to the faces of those who marched in solidarity, each photograph captures a moment in a campaign that reshaped Irish republicanism. The collection also documents the commemorative activities of Stailc 81 throughout the 40th anniversary year, showing how a new generation continues to honour the memory of the ten hunger strikers and the broader blanket protest movement. These images remind us that remembrance is not a passive act but a continuing commitment to the ideals for which those men gave their lives.

Beyond the historical photographs, the gallery records the creative and communal expressions that emerged around the anniversary commemorations. Memorial gatherings, cultural events, and public demonstrations all appear within these frames, illustrating how the hunger strike legacy remains a living tradition within the republican community. The images also reflect the wider context of political imprisonment and resistance, connecting the events of 1981 to longer struggles for justice and self-determination. For those unable to attend the commemorations in person, this visual archive offers a window into the atmosphere, emotion, and resolve that marked the 40th anniversary year, ensuring the story continues to be told and passed on to future generations.