1986 in Ireland

Events

January 2 – The national offices of the Progressive Democrats are officially opened.
January 4 – Phil Lynott, lead singer with Thin Lizzy, dies aged 35.
February 11 – Ireland's new soccer team manager, Jack Charlton, arrives in Dublin.
March 18 – Irish citizenship is conferred on Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tip O'Neill, for inspiring constitutional nationalists to launch a new initiative for a new Ireland.
March 31 – President Hillery and Mrs. Hillery start a four-day official visit to Austria. This is the first-ever official visit there by an Irish head of state.
May 6 – The Divorce Action Group launches its campaign for the forthcoming referendum.
May 30 – Knock Airport, County Mayo is officially opened.
June 6 – John Stalker is removed from the 'shoot to kill' inquiry.
June 12 – Two giant pandas, Ming Ming and Ping Ping, arrive at Dublin zoo.
June 21 – An anti-divorce rally takes place in Dublin.
June 27 – Across the country counting begins in the Divorce Referendum. Tallymen predict a strong 'no' vote.
August 7 – The deputy-leader of the DUP, Peter Robinson MP, is arrested as a loyalist mob vandilises a garda barracks in County Monaghan.
December 25 – Dublin Airport opens for the first time on Christmas Day.
December 31 – At the United States Embassy in Dublin, visa applications rise by 25%. 30,000 people emigrate during 1986.

Joey Dunlop wins the Formula One motorcycle world championship for the fifth time in a row
The Northern Ireland football team plays in the World Cup Finals in Mexico, reaching the second round