Archaeological Survey of Ireland Collection
The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) compiles an inventory of archaeological monuments in the state. The information gathered is stored on a database and in a series of paper files that are managed by the National Monuments Service Archive.
The information contained in the ASI archive was originally issued on a county-by-county basis between 1984 and 1992, and was known as the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR). The SMR, revised in light of further research and fieldwork, then formed the basis for the statutory Record of Monuments and Places (established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act (1994)). Information in the Records of Monuments and Places (RMP) was similar in format to the SMR, and again was issued for each county in the state, between 1995 and 1998. The database and archive contain records of all known or possible monuments pre-dating AD 1700 that have been brought to the attention of the ASI, and also include a selection of monuments from the post-AD 1700 period. There are in excess of 160,000 records in the database, and over 150,000 of these relate to archaeological monuments.
It is important for researchers to remember that although the Historic Environment Viewer provides instant and up-to-date information on ASI database records, the hard-copy ASI files generally contain more comprehensive descriptive and photographic information, which should be taken into account when researching. The paper files, depending on county and classification, may include descriptive information, field reports, historical references, maps, plans and photographs, and they are updated in light of ongoing research.
We advise researchers to first consult the Historic Environment Viewer. If you require further information, please email us at nmarchive@housing.gov.ie with the SMR number of the files required (in numerical order), and we will facilitate your request in a timely manner. Requests for large volumes of files may require travel to the Collections Resource Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin, where you can export the required files in pdf format to a personalised folder. Archive staff will forward the contents of this folder to you afterwards via file transfer.
Reports from Archaeological Investigations
Archaeological excavations and development-led investigations in the period 1990–2024 resulted in the writing of in excess of 46,000 excavation reports — both licensed (c. 40,000) and unlicensed (c. 6,000) reports. The NMS Archive provides access to submitted digital and hard-copy versions of these. An annually updated Finding Aid listing all the archaeological reports in the possession of the Archive Unit is available as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. It contains an index of the types of reports included, and separate worksheets for Dive Licences, Excavation Reports, Excavations carried out under Ministerial Consent or Direction, Non-Licensed reports and Detection Device Consents.
A database of Irish excavation reports can be accessed at excavations.ie (a website not operated by National Monuments Service). It contains summary accounts of all excavations carried out in Ireland from 1970 to 2024. From this website, researchers can note the excavation licence numbers required when requesting reports from the NMS Archive.
Please note: Requests may be returned to researchers for correction if they quote the incorrect licence number. The only format in which the licence number is accepted is, e.g. 04E1254. Note also that copyright rests with the author of the report; researchers will need to agree to copyright terms and conditions to receive reports.
Please email us at nmarchive@housing.gov.ie with the licence numbers of the reports required (in numerical order) and we will facilitate your request in a timely manner. Requests for large volumes of files may require travel to the Collections Resource Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin, where you can export reports in pdf format to a personalised folder. Archive staff will forward the contents of this folder to you afterwards via file transfer.
Physical access to Other Collections
In-person access to the NMS Archive collections has been replaced by the provision of material to researchers in electronic format, where possible, as we no longer have access to an on-site reading room. In cases where requested files have not yet been digitised, you may be required to travel to the Collections Resource Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin to view the files in their original format. Requests for access to Catalogued Collections and Other Collections can be submitted to us at: nmarchive@housing.gov.ie, and an appointment will be made for you to travel to the Collections Resource Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin at an agreed time to view the original material. General reading room regulations will apply for each visit.
Deposits from Archaeological Investigations
Non-artefactual material produced from archaeological investigations is collected by the NMS Archive. Detailed guidelines on deposit conditions, preparation of the material, completion of the catalogue, and associated forms can be found here https://www.archaeology.ie/publications/nms-deposit-guidelines/
To assist depositors, the NMS Archive provides the necessary archive quality boxes and tubes. Depositors are only required to purchase approved storage folders themselves.
Please note: Deposits of archaeological archives are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at nmarchive@housing.gov.ie to discuss requirements and begin the process of creating a bespoke catalogue for your specific deposit.
Access to these deposits are also dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Please note that some deposited collections may be closed to researchers for up to three years, as per deposit conditions. Contact nmarchive@housing.gov.ie for access conditions for specific deposits.
Link to Application Forms
When requesting files or reports from the NMS Archive, please complete the following form and submit it to nmarchive@housing.gov.ie. Requests will be facilitated in a timely manner. Alternatively, a list of files or reports sent by email to nmarchive@housing.gov.ie is also acceptable.
Form 1: Archive File Request Form PDF
NMS Archive Contact Information
Telephone: (01) 888 3922 (from Ireland) / +353 1 8883922 (from outside Ireland); email nmarchive@housing.gov.ie
For non-archive related queries (planning/licensing/monument protection, etc.), email us at: nationalmonuments@housing.gov.ie