There was considerable tension in the lead-up to the civil rights protest, with shopkeepers boarding up their premises for fear of violence. The loyalist protesters took over the city centre, many of them carrying sticks and cudgels. There were a number of clashes with the police, and loyalists asked for cameramen to stop recording, attacking BBC and ITN television crews. The RUC kept a "no man's land" between the two set of demonstrators, and halted the civil rights march.
Presented here is the demonstration in Armagh and reaction to it.
The accompanying image shows a view of Armagh from 1 January 1970.
© RTÉ Stills Library 0202/024
Shop-fronts boarded up on 29 November, 1968, the eve of the Armagh demonstration.
Loyalist protesters and civil rights marchers gather in Armagh and are separated by a RUC cordon.
Following the demonstrations, shopkeepers remove the protective hoardings from their shop fronts.
Cardinal Conway addresses the congregation of St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, and compliments them on their restraint during the civil rights demonstration.
Ronnie Turner reports on cabinet reaction to the Armagh civil rights demonstration.
John McAnerney, Secretary of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA), talks to Ronnie Turner about the RUC's decision to stop their march in Armagh.
William Craig talks about the demonstration in Armagh, the actions of the police, "one man, one vote" and calls for his resignation.
Ian Paisley outlines what he and his followers are trying to achieve.
This Week' looks back at the calm interviews given to RTÉ Television by Ian Paisley and William Craig and compares them to the more rousing addresses each gave their own supporters that same week.