Map of the key points in Dublin which the rebels attempted to take over.
In the first hours of the Rising there was much confusion among Dubliners. Most thought that the Volunteers were just practising, and some became infuriated with them. Civilians and the ICA clashed at St Stephen’s Green when some civilians attempted to take down the blockades that the rebels had erected at the entrances to the park.
Volunteers under the command of Seán Connolly made an attack on Dublin Castle, but though there were only a few British soldiers on duty, due to it being a bank holiday, they were unable to capture it. Meanwhile, at approximately 1.15 pm, British forces marching into Sackville Street (O’Connell Street) came under fire from the men on the roof of the GPO. The British were forced to retreat after suffering a number of casualties. There were further small clashes throughout the first day.
British troops surrounded the rebels. THE PURSUIT OF SOVEREIGNTY AND THE IMPACT OF PARTITION, 1912–1949 129
