The National Archives preserves the memory of the state in the form of its records. It acquires and protects Ireland’s public records, thereby ensuring their availability as a resource for all. These records relate to the social, cultural, economic and political history of the island of Ireland from the middle ages through to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 and into the modern era.

The 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty is arguably the most important document in Irish history.

Minister Catherine Martin TD
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Amongst its collections is perhaps the most famous document in Irish history: the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. It is appropriate that the National Archives should mark the centenary of the signing of the Treaty by presenting a major exhibition of records in its possession relating to the negotiation and signing of the Treaty. Using the Treaty itself as the centrepiece, this exhibition places significant documents from the collections of the National Archives on public display for the first time. This exhibition forms part of the National Archives Commemorations Programme 2021–2, marking the National Archives’ role as the official repository of the records of the state. It is presented in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy, the National Library of Ireland and the Office of Public Works, with records on display from the collections of the Military Archives, Dublin, and University College Dublin Archives.

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