Central Bank Archive
The Central Bank of Ireland’s Archive tells the story of economic development and progression in Ireland, the establishment and the design of Irish currency, the services we provide to both the Irish public and internationally, and the day-to-day workings of the Central Bank, with our earliest records dating back to 1786.
Our archival collections contain:
- 12,000+ paper files
- 2,000+ Central Bank publications
- 4,000+ photographic items
- 560+ architectural plans and drawings
- 250+ bound ledgers
- Various artefacts relating to all aspects of the history of the Central Bank and its work
- Materials relating to the Currency Commission (forerunner to the Central Bank of Ireland, established in 1943), Commercial Buildings Company, and various properties owned by the Central Bank.
The records of the Central Bank of Ireland are not only greatly important for economic research purposes but also for architectural, political, historical, business, and social research, and furthermore for our staff.
The records are arranged by Division, reflecting our organisational structure, with the following exceptions: the Currency Commission papers, the Commercial Buildings Company collection, the photographic collection, the architectural drawings and plans collection, and the artefact's collection.
Browse the Archive Catalogue
75 Years of Change
The Story of the Central Bank of Ireland; Gaeilge version, English version
Visiting the Archive
- The Archive is open Tuesday-Friday, from 10am until 4pm.
- Appointments must be made 48 hours in advance to allow adequate time for the preparation of documents. However, we recommend researchers book as far in advance as possible.
- To book an appointment, please choose material in the catalogue you wish to view (using the “Selection” tab) and you will then be prompted to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can e-mail [email protected].
- Once your appointment is confirmed, you will receive an email containing the visit details (date, time, location) and check-in instructions.
- In advance of your first visit, you must provide two separate forms of identification – one photographic (e.g. passport or driving licence) and the other showing proof of permanent address (e.g. a utility bill).
- Prior to consulting any archival material, researchers are required to complete a reader registration form, which sets out the Archive’s terms and conditions.
- Researchers are permitted to take the following items into the Reading Room: camera, laptop, tablet (iPad etc.), refill paper, pencil.
- Researchers are permitted to take photographs of archival material.
- A desktop computer in the reading room is available for use by the researchers.
- Wi-Fi is available.
See also:
Archive FAQ
Tá an leathnach seo ar fáil i nGaeilge
For any queries, please call +353 (0)1 224 6382 or +353 (0)1 224 4612.