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This paper argues that the paradigm of ‘terrorism’ needs to be abandoned by those academics engaged in exploring political violence. The authors, through the prism of their various disciplinary backgrounds and their research experience in Northern Ireland, argue that those engaged within Terrorism Studies must go further in their critique of the concept of ‘terrorism’. Taking fives steps into the field of Terrorism Studies, this article argues that the term is indefinable; and that some of the common elements of a definition are unconvincing; explores the significant implications of using such a label; engages with the arguments of Richard Jackson and other critical terrorism studies’ scholars; and, finally, draws upon lessons learnt from the Northern Ireland case study