Current research suggests that the presence of social capital (Putnam, 1993) in a community setting positively affects physical and psychological health and well-being. Indeed, McKenzie et al. (2002) highlighted the impact of social context on mental health and noted that social capital may be influential in the incidence and prevalence of mental illness. The authors suggested that studies of the geographies of mental health could also be useful in understanding the relationship between social capital and psychological health and well-being but note that this relationship is likely to be complex. The purpose of this paper is to develop the commentary from McKenzie et al. further and consider the relationship between social capital, psychological health and a society experiencing conflict. Social capital is often described as the glue that holds society together, producing a positive environment for a community to foster and thrive. Little attention has focused on the relationship between social capital and psychological health and well-being when specific communities experience (and/or contribute to) political strife and civil disorder. One would assume that social capital at the horizontal level is minimal in these cases as civil conflict acts as a barrier to its production. This would have a deleterious effect on psychological health and well-being. The issues outlined above are explored in the context of one region of the United Kingdom currently experiencing civil conflict: Northern Ireland. Social capital theory is re-conceptualized in this light.