Fascinating Irish Garda Photographic Archive Captures Some of the Major Events From Past 100 Years

An Garda Síochána launched its Garda Centenary Online Photographic Archive 1922 – 2022 as part of its current centenary celebrations on the 13 July 2022.

In 2002, thousands of historical photographs captured by the formerly known Garda Photographic Section were discovered and work begun on their conservation and restoration.

When discovered, the images were on fragile glass plate negatives, mainly 6X4 inch in size having been placed in storage in 1979. It required painstaking work to digitise them and which culminates in today’s launch.

These significant photographs which document important periods both in Irish history and in the evolution of An Garda Síochána through the decades, are available to view online in one place.

This is the first time that the photographs will be available to and viewed by the public.

Over 700 photographs are contained in the collection.

It features a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the force since the foundation of the State, from Vauxhall Victor and Model T Ford vehicles, to the evolution of the garda uniform and community engagement and training.

From the Civil War through to the ‘Emergency Years’, many significant events from the past 100 years are contained in the collection.

You can see the fascinating photographic collection here.