2006 was the year of the 'Love Ulster' riot, when a planned loyalist march down O'Connell Street led to chaos and street fighting in Dublin city centre.
Although Irish soccer manager Steve Staunton struggled in his new role, it was also a year of sporting success: Cork sprinter Derval O'Rourke won gold at the World Indoor Championships, Katie Taylor won World and European boxing titles and Bernard Dunne took the European Super bantamweight title.
In rugby, Munster beat Biarritz to take the Heineken Cup and Ireland won the Triple Crown. Ireland also hosted the Ryder Cup, when Europe's golfers claimed victory over the USA.
Playlist:
Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
Bell X1 - Flame
Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
Gemma Hayes - Undercover
Will Young - All Time Love
Sugababes - Red Dress
Pat Shortt - Jumbo Breakfast Roll