Genealogy

Conducting Research

Military records can be a rich source of information for genealogical research. If your relative served in the Defence Forces in Ireland from 1922 onwards, or received a medal or pension for service during the Easter Rising or War of Independence, there may be reference to them within our collections.

Please note, Military Archives does NOT hold records relating to military service prior to 1922. If your relative served during World War I, or at any point up to 1922, it is likely their service was with some of the Irish Regiments of the British Army. For further advice on researching British military records you should contact the English National Archives at Kew www.nationalarchives.gov.uk or view the Military Archives Guide to researching British Records

Getting Started

Some of our collections of genealogical interest have been digitised and can be searched by following the links below.

Some other collections, such as soldiers’ service records (from 1922 onwards), are available to proven next of kin only and can be requested by emailing the Duty Archivist. You should provide the soldier’s full name, date of birth, address or service number where possible to assist with this search. Signed permission from the next of kin (along with proof of their relationship to the soldier) or, if you are the next of kin, proof of relationship is required to complete these requests. This proof can typically be demonstrated by providing a copy of your own birth certificate if your query relates to a parent, or your own certificate and that of your parent if the soldier is a grandparent.

Other collections that are of interest to genealogical researchers can be accessed by appointment in our Reading Room. Our Reading Room opens by appointment, Tuesday to Thursday each week between 10.00-12.30 and 13.30-16.00. Please contact the Duty Archivist to arrange an appointment.