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National Archives of Ireland

We are Ireland’s institution of memory and preserve the State's records. Is sinne institiúid chuimhne na hÉireann agus caomhnaímid taifead an Stáit.

05/08/2026

Michael Collins’ diaries are coming to Cork!

Pages from Collins’ original diaries will be on display at the Michael Collins House for the month of August, in collaboration with Cork County Council.

Now in its fifth year, this special joint initiative takes on a new theme every year. This year’s theme celebrates Collins’ passion for Kerry Blue Terriers, a breed he proudly saw as a symbol of Irish identity.

Kerry Blues played an important role in Collins’ personal life, he bred them himself and even entered his dog, Convict 224, into the very first Irish Kennel Club Dog Show!

The Exhibition is available free of charge at Michael Collins House Museum, Clonakilty from 1 August -31 August. Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00AM-6:00PM.

🔗 Don't miss the chance to see authentic pages from his personal diaries. Plan your visit today at https://www.michaelcollinshouse.ie/

31/07/2026

Our Reading Room will be closed to the public on Bank Holiday Monday 3 August and will re-open at 10am on Tuesday 4 August.

Beidh ár Seomra Léitheoireachta dúnta don phobal Luan Saoire Bainc, an 3 Lúnasa, agus athosclóidh sé ag 10 r.n. Dé Máirt, an 4 Lúnasa.

30/07/2026

In 1926, the Irish Free State set out to design its very first independent currency.

Led by renowned poet W.B. Yeats, the Coinage Committee invited the public to share their vision for Ireland’s identity on its money.

Though only 34 submissions were received, they offered a fascinating snapshot of national pride. Letters, coin rubbings, and hand-drawn sketches flooded in, pitching everything from St. Patrick, Celtic heads, and monastic sites to wolfhounds and national industries.

While the public overflowed with creative ideas, Yeats and his committee ultimately chose a bold, unified vision: the iconic Irish harp on the front, paired with a series of farm and river animals on the back.

Released in 1928, these classic animal designs became legendary symbols of modern Irish heritage.

The original documents will be on display at the National Archives building at Bishop Street throughout the month of August.

Documents photographed:
1. A handwritten submission sent on commercial stationery, offering ideas for the new penny and half‑penny designs. FIN/2023/86/6 (20)
2. Newspaper clipping from Mayo News, 29 January 1927, containing a public submission to the Coinage Committee. FIN/2023/86/6 (77)
3. A detailed set of hand drawn coin designs submitted by Lacy E. Costello, incorporating heraldic shields, harps, Celtic ornament, and proposed legends in both Irish and English. FIN/2023/86/6 (9)
4. A single‑sheet submission featuring a hand drawn circular emblem depicting a Celtic cross, round tower and architectural motifs, offered as a potential design for the Irish Free State coinage. FIN/2023/86/6 (22)
5. A departmental record listing early public suggestions for coinage emblems, noted by the Department of Finance in June and July 1926. FIN/2023/86/6 (50)
6. A typed letter from Dr Annie Patterson, urging the Coinage Committee to adopt the Brian Boru harp as the central emblem of the new coinage. FIN/2023/86/6 (13)
7. A handwritten letter responding to the Committee’s call for suggestions, offering several design ideas. FIN/2023/86/6 (14)

29/07/2026

Did you catch In the Opinion of the Censor on RTÉ One on Monday night?

The documentary explores the introduction of the 1923 Censorship of Films Act, following which the Censor’s Office spent decades cutting and outright banning movies that are now celebrated classics from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Graduate to Life of Brian and Ulysses.

Many of the original notebooks of Ireland’s first film censor, James Montgomery, are now preserved in the National Archives of Ireland. Director Orlaith McBride joined the documentary to examine these records and discuss the country's long history of censorship.

To mark the broadcast, we’re sharing a look at some of the original records from the Censor’s Office collection preserved here at the National Archives.

Curious about what other hidden histories lie within our vaults? Explore our wider collections and uncover more of Ireland's past at https://nationalarchives.ie/

25/07/2026

Deep dive into the archives!

Ahead of tomorrow’s All-Ireland Senior Football Final, we’re bringing you all the way back to the final of 1926 where Kerry were also finalists.

That year, the Kingdom faced Kildare at Croke Park on September 5. It ended in a nail-biting draw, forcing a replay on October 17, where Kerry clinched victory by just three points.

A fascinating fact about this winning Kerry team was that it included Con Brosnan and John Joe Sheehy, two players who had fought on opposites sides in the Civil War. In fact, team captain Con Brosnan, a member of the Free State Army, would ensure safe passage for John Joe Sheehy, a member of the Irish Republican Army to play in matches.

Although tomorrow's match will take place under very different circumstance, it shows the power of sport in bringing people together - even old foes.
Best of luck to both Kerry and Mayo!

23/07/2026

What was life like in Cork 100 years ago?

The 1926 Census gives us a remarkable glimpse into the people, places and communities that shaped the county a century ago. In 1926, more than 365,000 people called Cork home, and the census records capture the everyday details behind that number.

These statistics tell only part of the story. The census records reveal the people behind the numbers – their names, occupations, households and experiences.

The Story of Us exhibition is now on display at St Peter’s, Cork, until 26 July.

Visit the exhibition and uncover the stories of the people who made Cork what it is today.

🔗 https://nationalarchives.ie/engage-and-learn/census-1926-public-programme/the-census-1926-exhibition-tour/

20/07/2026

Did you know there's an Irish connection to Apollo 11?

When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon on 20 July 1969, footprints weren't the only thing they left behind.

Among the goodwill messages carried to the Moon on a tiny silicon disc was one from President Éamon de Valera. The message was left on the Moon, where it remains today alongside the Apollo 11 landing site.

Our archives preserve the correspondence surrounding this remarkable moment, offering a unique insight into Ireland's contribution to one of humanity's greatest achievements.

Read the full story here: https://nationalarchives.ie/engage-and-learn/stories-from-the-archive-2/irish-message-on-the-moon/

19/07/2026

As the world's attention turns to football, we're revisiting a favourite from our collections.

This image features Tip and Tap, the official mascots of the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany.

The promotional leaflet comes from file 2012/59/263, "World Cups in soccer: invitations and travel arrangements relating to attendance of the 1982 World Cup in Spain and the 1974 World Cup in the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)."

While Ireland did not qualify for either tournament, Northern Ireland enjoyed a memorable time the 1982 World Cup in Spain, finishing top of their group.

Sometimes the most unexpected finds in the archives become our favourites.

🔗 Explore the collections: https://nationalarchives.ie/

17/07/2026

This week marks 100 years since Amhrán na bhFiann (The Soldier's Song) was formally approved by Government as Ireland's National Anthem.

As Limerick and Galway supporters gather in Croke Park this Sunday for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final, we remember the anthem's lyricist, Peadar Kearney, whose words have become an enduring part of our national story.

Ahead of the throw-in, the Artane Band will perform Amhrán na bhFiann – a tradition that continues to unite generations through sport, music and shared heritage.

13/07/2026

The Story of Us Exhibition is now open in the Rebel County.

Running until 26 July, the exhibition officially opened last Thursday evening at a launch event that heard from Lord Mayor of Cork City Damian Boylan, Deputy County Mayor Pat Hayes, Director of the National Archives Orlaith McBride, Professor Ciara Breathnach of UCC, and award-winning novelist, playwright and filmmaker, Conal Creedon. The exhibition invites visitors to explore a curated collection of original census records, photographs, and audio-visual displays that offer a fascinating snapshot of life in Ireland a century ago.

Visit the exhibition at St. Peter's Cork, North Main St, Cork, and discover the people, places, and stories that connect us all.

🔗https://nationalarchives.ie/engage-and-learn/census-1926-public-programme/the-census-1926-exhibition-tour/

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