Follow these steps to get started with archival research.
Explore secondary sources
Before visiting the National Archives, we encourage all researchers to explore secondary sources related to their area of interest.
Where to look
Secondary sources such as books, journals and websites can be found in local and university libraries. They can be valuable to your research. They can help you to:
- Identify what primary sources exist
- Decide if a visit to the National Archives is necessary
Basic and background information
When researching a person or topic, begin by gathering basic information. Reading background material about the relevant time period can also provide context for understanding archival sources.
Before you visit the National Archives
Check if the records you want are available at the National Archives. We only keep records that are at least 30 years old or more. For newer records, please contact the government department or agency directly.
How to search the online catalogue
Plan your visit
Archival research can take a lot of time so if you decide to visit the National Archives, you will need a reader’s ticket.
Using the archives
To use the National Archives for your research, you first need to understand how they are arranged.
How archives are arranged
Archives are not arranged by subject the way libraries are. We organise our collections by the government body, court or person that created the records.
If you are researching Irish government policy, it’s helpful to know:
- How Ireland’s administration has changed over time from the time of British rule to the establishment of the Irish State
- That during the 1920s, many government departments were created and the court system changed
- Government department names and functions have changed over time
Finding aids and reference codes
We use finding aids or catalogues to store details about the records in a collection. Each record has a unique reference code. They may look like this eg 2015/44/13, TSCH/3/S1459.
Format of records
You can check if the material you want is available in its original format or has been microfilmed or digitised.
Microfilm collections
How to order archives in the Reading Room
You can order on-site archives in the Reading Room. If the archives you need are stored off-site, you can order them in advance of your visit.
Order archives
Handling archives
Archival records are unique and they need to be treated with care. They must also be kept in their original order.
How to handle archives