FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the National Archives

Is it free?

There is no charge for visiting the National Archives – charges are incurred only in the case of purchasing photocopying cards or paying for photocopies of documents.

Do I have to book to visit?

If you bring photographic identification, you will be issued with a reader’s ticket that will allow you to use all the facilities without booking. If you are coming as part of a group for a visit or after-hours talk, you will need to contact us in advance.

What are the opening hours and closure dates of the National Archives during 2013?

The Reading Room of the National Archives is open from Monday to Friday, 10.00 till 17.00, to members of the public in possession of a valid reader’s ticket.

The Reading Room will be closed on the following days during 2013:

1 January: public holiday

18 March: public holiday

29 March: public holiday

1 April: public holiday

6 May: public holiday

3 June: public holiday

5 August: public holiday

28 October: public holiday

4-6 December: media preview

24 December (pm)-26 December 2013 and 1 January 2014: closure for Christmas 2013 and New Year 2014

Does the National Archives have a carpark?

No parking facilities are available on site and on-street parking in the vicinity of the National Archives is restricted. However, there are commercial multistorey carparks nearby at St Stephen’s Green and Christchurch Place.

Does the National Archives have a restaurant?

While there are vending machines available selling coffee, tea, soup, canned drinks and chocolate in the National Archives, we do not have a restaurant – however, there are restaurants, cafés and shops in the vicinity of Bishop Street.

How do I apply for a reader’s ticket?

A reader’s ticket, which is free of charge, may be obtained either by filling out an application form available online or in our reception area. Readers are requested to bring with them on their first visit, photographic identification to facilitate the ticketing procedure; valid photographic identification includes a passport; driver’s licence; (international) student card; social security card; travel pass and employment ID. The tickets are issued for periods of up to three years and are not valid in other research institutions.

Where do I start my research?

Online

To help you learn more about the records we hold, our website provides information about:

Visit the National Archives

If you would like to visit us, our website provides information about:

Our opening hours and closure dates
How to obtain a reader’s ticket
How to order and consult records in our Reading Room

Does the National Archives carry out research for members of the public?

No, the staff of the National Archives and its Genealogy Service cannot undertake research on behalf of members of the public. However, the Genealogy Service, staffed by professional genealogists, provides a short personal consultation service free of charge to visitors who are researching their family tree. In addition, there are professional researchers listed in the Genealogy section who undertake paid genealogical and historical research. The National Archives does not accept any responsibility for either the work done or the fees charged by the professional researchers.

Can I obtain copies of records?

Subject to the terms of the Copyright and Related Rights Act, 2000, yes, we can provide copies of documents generally in the form of photocopies, copies from microforms and copies from digital images. Bound volumes, maps or fragile documents cannot be photocopied and alternative methods of copying should be discussed with the Duty Archivist. For further details on ordering, fees and postage etc please see Obtain copies of archives.

How far back can I trace my Irish ancestors?

The extent to which you can trace your ancestors depends very much on the information already known about the person in question. For further guidance on genealogy, see Getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions about our website

What can I do on this website?

You can:

Is it free?

Yes, there is no charge for viewing original documents online or conducting searches in our finding aid databases.

Can I see documents online?

Other than the documents available to view as images in our Digital resources section, original documents are not available on our website. However, our online catalogue of records can be searched and we also welcome and encourage members of the public to visit us and consult the records themselves in our Reading Room.

Our website provides general information about the work we do, the range of our holdings, the main sources of material available for research and the services we provide to both the Government and the public.