Discover the history of Parliament in Ireland, from Norman times to today, and find out about the buildings, past and present.
Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland
History of Parliament in Ireland
The first meeting of Dáil Éireann took place on 21 January 1919. However, parliaments, in various forms, were a feature of Irish life from the 13th century up to 1801.
Buildings
Discover the buildings of the Irish Parliament, explore highlights of the art collection and find out about the restoration and conservation of Leinster House.
Historical documents
The Oireachtas Library & Research Service holds a collection of historical documents and documents laid before the Oireachtas. Search the online catalogue or browse the online exhibitions of selected documents.
Dáil100
Dáil Éireann 1919-2019
In 2019 we commemorated the centenary of the First Dáil. On 21 January 1919, the First Dáil held its first public sitting. The elected members who gathered there declared Ireland to be a Republic and a sovereign independent state.
Animated film
Dáil Day One
This short animated film tells the story of the circumstances that drove the members of the First Dáil to set up an independent parliament in 1919.
Animated film
History of the Library & Research Service
Watch this short animated film telling the story of the Oireachtas Library & Research Service from 1922 to the present day.
Documentary
Hawks & Doves part 1
In part one of a two-part documentary on the Crown and Ireland's War of Independence, Michael Portillo follows the journey from the Peace Conference in Versailles to the ceasefire of July 1921.
Documentary
Hawks & Doves part 2
In part two of this two-part documentary, Michael Portillo continues to draw on "the enemy files" to explore the point of view of the British authorities on Ireland's war of independence.