National Archives of Ireland facts for kids
| Chartlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann | |
.jpg) National Archives offices on Bishop Street in Dublin |
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1988 |
| Preceding |
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| Type | National Cultural Institution |
| Jurisdiction | Republic of Ireland, Government of Ireland |
| Headquarters | Bishop Street, Dublin 8, Ireland |
| Minister responsible |
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| Agency executive |
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| Parent department | Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
The National Archives of Ireland (Irish: Cartlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann) is the official repository for the state records of Ireland. Established by 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.
The National Archives of Ireland cites their mission statement as, "Securing the preservation of records relating to Ireland which warrant preservation as archives and ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for public access to archives." They hold records relating to all of Ireland, including documents that refer to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; although Northern Ireland does have their own archives which is titled the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.
1922 destruction
During the Civil War, the Four Courts, where it was based, was seized and the repository building destroyed by detonating explosives, resulting in a fire in June 1922 during the Battle of Dublin, along with most of the records held here, some dating back to the thirteenth century.
When four-fifths of Ireland became independent as the Irish Free State in 1922, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland was set up to take over the records of that part of Ireland which remained in the United Kingdom.
