National Archives of Ireland

The National Archives holds the records of the modern Irish state which document its historical evolution and the creation of its national identity. Under its governing legislation - the National Archives Act, 1986 - the National Archives provides services both to the Government and the public.
The National Archives of Ireland is located in Bishop Street, Dublin 8. These Archives contains many documents that are important and useful research tools for researchers and citizens alike.
The documents held in the Archives help to provide an understanding of the social, economic and political history of Ireland. The National Archives was formed in 1988, when the Public Record Office (founded 1867, formerly at the Four Courts) and the State Paper Office (founded 1702, formerly at Dublin Castle) were merged to create a single institution.
The functions of the National Archives include the following:
• the preservation, restoration, arrangement and description of archives;
• the preparation of guides, lists, indexes and other finding aids to archives;
• making archives available for public inspection;
• making and providing copies of archives;
• the publication of archives, finding aids and other material relating to archives;
• the provision of educational services relating to archives.

The National Archives holds a wide variety of records, many of which are relevant to Irish genealogy and local history.