Plan your visit
The National Archives of Ireland provides access to Ireland’s public records for researchers worldwide. With over 60 million documents spanning more than 200 years of history, it serves as a rich source of information for researchers of all kinds.
Our team of experts curate, preserve, and provide access to the records held in the archives, ensuring transparency and a deeper understanding of Ireland’s past.
An introduction to the collections which make up the core of the National Archives.
About collectionsFrom the basics to deep dives, our guides will help you get better results from your research.
Get help with researchIt's free to visit and research in the Reading Room. We're open five days a week.
Get a Reader's TicketHear fascinating stories and learn about historical gems from the collections.
Tell me more
The National Archives is the official repository of state records. We are responsible for collecting, preserving, and making public all government records, as directed by the National Archives Act of 1986. This includes records from all government departments that are over 30 years old, as well as records from 61 scheduled bodies, the courts at all levels, and tribunals or bodies established by the government.
Are you interested in learning more about your family history or a specific individual? The National Archives holds a vast collection of records that can provide valuable insights for family researchers. Here, you can discover more about our family history resources, how to prepare for your research, and take advantage of our free genealogy services.
Charting the historical development of Ireland from 1912 to 1923, a most turbulent and transformative decade.
Explore the original manuscript returns for each household in the thirty-two counties of Ireland that still exist for the 1901 and 1911 censuses.
Discover the early years of the Irish State through documents and records from the first (1919–1921) and second (1921–1922) Dáil.
The records of the Chief Secretary's Office are some of the most valuable original source materials for researching Ireland in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The National Archives of Ireland is where researchers and members of the public can view original documents and records from departments of state, the courts, public bodies as well as many private collections.
The documents held in the Archives help to provide an understanding of the social, economic and political history of Ireland.
