National Archives of Ireland

The National Archives of Ireland (Irish: Cartlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann) is the official repository for the state records of Ireland, established in 1988 under the National Archives Act 1986, taking over the functions of the State Paper Office (founded 1702) and the Public Record Office of Ireland (founded 1867). In 1991, the National Archives moved to its current premises in Bishop Street, Dublin. The Archives stand on the site of the Jacob's Factory, one of the garrisons held by rebels during the 1916 Easter Rising.

It holds records relating to all of Ireland, including documents that refer to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland holds records specifically related to Northern Ireland.

History

State Paper Office

Before the 18th century, any papers written by government officials in England or Ireland were considered the personal papers of those who had written them, and because of this, many records were removed by their owners upon leaving office. In 1702, during the time of the Kingdom of Ireland, the State Paper Office was established to requisition and begin collecting these government documents. These papers were most often records relating to the administrations of the various Lord Lieutenants of Ireland, who acted as the representatives of the monarch. The State Paper Office collected a range of government records, but primarily carried those relating to security, finances, trading, land ownership, and military and ecclesiastical matters. Up until 1922, during the Lordship of Ireland, the Kingdom of Ireland and finally within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Dublin Castle was used as a ceremonial and administrative centre as well as housing for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.