The Real IRA 's tactics were the same as those of the IRA before it . It targeted the British security forces and also carried out bombings of what it saw as symbolic or economic targets . The goal of these bombings was to damage the economy and cause severe disruption , which would put pressure on the British government . Warnings were sent before such bombings , along with a code word so that the authorities would know it was genuine . The Real IRA began its paramilitary campaign with an attempted car bombing in Banbridge , County Down on 7 January 1998 , which involved a explosive that was defused by security forces . Over the following months , it mounted several car bomb and mortar attacks . There were attacks or attempted attacks in Moira , Portadown , Armagh , Newry , Lisburn , Belfast and Belleek , as well as another car bombing in Banbridge on 1 August , which caused thirty-five injuries but no deaths
on 1 August
1998 Banbridge bombing
Omagh bombing