This work provides a background to the Northern Ireland conflict. The authors investigate the human effect of the violence, looking at the geographical, religious, gender and age distribution of deaths due to the troubles. They analyse the impact of the activities of the various armed participants, and examine the relationship between deprivation and levels of violence. Looking at suicide rates, levels of prescribed drug use and mental health admissions, they examine the social impact of the conflict. They then compare this with the impact on the economy - GDP, unemployment levels, and public expenditure, putting forward a positive agenda for dealing with the effects of conflict, and for moving away from violence, towards peace.