National Archives of Ireland

The National Archives collects, manages and preserves the public record of Ireland, ensuring its availability both as a resource and to safeguard citizens’ rights.

Are you interested in finding out more about your family history or are you looking for a very specific document relating to an individual, such as a will?

The National Archives hold records of the modern Irish state from its foundation to approximately 1987, as well as a number of other major collections acquired as a result to the amalgamation of the Public Record Office of Ireland and the State Paper Office in 1986 when the National Archives was established. These include archives of the British administration in Ireland from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, the largest collection of which is the Registered Papers of the Chief Secretary’s Office.

The National Archives also holds a number of private collections, including business records, some landed estate collections and private donations. Our collections are particularly useful for anyone interested in researching the political, social and economic development of Ireland from the 18th century to the present day. A number of our collections, including Commissioners of National Education, the Ordnance Survey and Valuation Office, are particularly useful for local history research as they contain archives relating to practically every part of Ireland.