This book offers an accessible and comprehensive introduction to criminology in Ireland. Logically structured and clearly written, this book explores theory and empirical research through real-life examples from an Irish context. Engaging and challenging, this book encourages critical thinking about, and understanding of, crime and crime control in Ireland, North and South.

The book covers the canon of criminological theory, from classical and psychological approaches right through to the contemporary. It offers an overview of the Irish criminal justice system, including the police, prisons and alternatives to punishment. It covers key criminological themes such as victims and victimology, gender, the drug trade and its regulation, terrorism and political violence, and desistance and the life course. Key features include:

• Critical assessment of key criminological theories, which are later woven into discussions of key thematic areas
• Case studies of historical and contemporary Irish events, including the Magdalene Laundries, gangland feuds and the decriminalisation of drugs
• Extensive reading lists of key academic texts and relevant Irish literature, movies, music and art

This book is the only comprehensive criminology textbook specifically designed for the Irish undergraduate curriculum. It is essential reading for all criminology students in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and will also be of interest to postgraduates and academics looking for an overview of Irish Criminology.

James Windle is a Lecturer in Criminology and Director of the BA Criminology Programme at University College Cork, Ireland.

Orla Lynch is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Associate Dean of Graduates Studies and Programme Director of the PG Dip in Trauma Studies at University College Cork, Ireland.

Kevin Sweeney is a Lecturer in Criminology and Director of the MA Criminology Programme at University College Cork, Ireland.

Maggie O’Neill is a Professor of Criminology and Sociology and Head of the Department of Sociology and Criminology at University College Cork, Ireland.

Fiona Donson is a Senior Lecturer in Law and the Director of the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights, University College Cork, Ireland.

James Cuffe is a Lecturer in Anthropology and Criminology at University College Cork, Ireland.