Who we are and what we do
Introduction - more...
Occupying a key position in the cultural and intellectual life of the nation, the National Archives holds the records of the modern Irish state which document its historical evolution and the creation of our national identity.
History - more...
The National Archives, established on 1 June 1988, took over the functions previously performed by the State Paper Office (1702) and the Public Record Office of Ireland (1867).
Functions - more...
The records acquired by the National Archives are referred to in the National Archives Act, 1986, as archives and the Act designates the functions of the National Archives with regard to archives in its custody as follows.
Legislation governing the National Archives - more...
The National Archives is governed by a number of acts and regulations, the most important of which are listed below.
National Archives' responsibility for archives - more...
The National Archives annually receives thousands of documents relating to the business of Government.
Ministerial responsibility for archives - more...
The National Archives Act, 1986 assigned ministerial responsibility for the National Archives to the Taoiseach.
National Archives Advisory Council - more...
The National Archives Advisory Council was established in January 1987 under Section 20 of the National Archives Act, 1986, to advise the Minister with responsibility for the National Archives, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, in the exercise of her powers and on all matters affecting archives and their use by the public.
Publications - more...
The National Archives and the Public Record Office of Ireland have published a number of reports, guides and manuals within the last three decades, for example, our Customer Charter and Freedom of Information Manual.