Protest art has played a significant role in Irish political history, serving as a visual means of resistance, identity expression, and activism. During British rule and the struggle for independence, political cartoons, posters, and banners were widely used to criticize colonial oppression and rally support for nationalist movements. The early 20th century saw the use of propaganda art by both the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the British authorities, with imagery reinforcing their respective narratives. Following the partition of Ireland in 1921, political murals emerged as a dominant form of protest art, particularly in Northern Ireland. These murals, painted by both Republican and Loyalist communities, depicted historical events, political prisoners, and calls for sovereignty, becoming internationally recognized symbols of the region's conflict.

During and after The Troubles (1960s–1998), protest art remained a powerful medium for political expression in Ireland. While murals continued to be a key feature in Belfast and Derry, other forms of street art, posters, and installations emerged to address contemporary issues such as civil rights, poverty, and government policies. The rise of feminist and LGBTQ+ activism in the late 20th and early 21st centuries saw artists using bold visuals to challenge conservative laws, notably in campaigns for marriage equality and abortion rights. More recently, protest art has tackled issues like climate change, housing crises, and social justice, ensuring that public spaces remain canvases for political dialogue and activism in Ireland.