Heritage and Events
Introduction
The Registry of Deeds comprises a significant and globally unique repository of property records which are of immense importance to the Irish State.
The Registration of Deeds Act (Ireland) 1707 cited that the Registry’s primary function was to formalise the transfer of land and to provide security of tenure by recording the existence of deeds and conveyances affecting a property. The system of registration, born in the context of the Penal Laws in Ireland, was intended to prevent perceived fraud and forgeries at the hands of Catholics in Ireland. Registration was not mandatory but there was significant uptake in Ireland, providing a comprehensive record of Ireland’s land and property transactions from the early 18th century to the present day.
These records are a unique resource for Ireland’s social and economic history and cultural heritage. The completeness of the collection is particularly valuable in the context of the destruction of the Public Record Office at the Four Courts in 1922.
Heritage Events
The Registry of Deeds Archive Services runs an annual program of events (including lectures, tours, seminars) to support people to access our collections and to increase public engagement and enjoyment of the historical records we hold.
Culture Night 2023 at the Registry of Deeds
The Registry of Deeds will host free 30 minute tours on the 22nd September from 16:00 to 20:00 to celebrate Culture Night 2023.
The tours will introduce you to the architecture of the Registry of Deeds building on Henrietta Street and our unique collections. Our records date from 1708 and form an important part of Ireland’s cultural heritage and property history.
All tours are free. However places are limited and you must book in advance.
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council. Culture Night is about openness, discovery, celebration and belonging. Many of our neighbouring institutions in the Henrietta Street and Grangegorman area have also opened their doors with exciting evening events for Culture Night. Full program details can be viewed at: Culture Night Dublin.
Dublin Festival of History Events 2023
Tailte Éireann is delighted to be one of over 50 partner organisations participating in the Dublin Festival of History 2023. The Dublin Festival of History is organised by Dublin City Council and aims to shed a fresh perspective on history and its importance in our everyday lives.
On the 3rd October 2023, we will host a lecture by Dr. Melanie Hayes at the Registry of Deeds. Dr. Melanie Hayes is an architectural historian and an Irish Research Council Advanced Laureate Project Fellow at Trinity College Dublin. In her lecture, Dr. Hayes will draw on source material accessed at the Registry of Deeds during the course of her research. The full lecture title is 'Articles, indentures, and conveyances: domestic development on the Gardiner estate, Dublin, 1720–1760'
We will also host a free lunchtime tour of the Registry of Deeds on the 28 September 2023. During this tour, you will learn how to carry out a search at the Registry of Deeds.
All events are free, however, places are limited and booking is required.
Event 1
Title: Lunch Time Tour of Registry of Deeds: How to Carry out a Search at the Registry of Deeds
Date: 28 September 2023
Time: 13:00 -13:45
Venue: Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin 1, D01 EK 82
Booking: https://RegistryofDeeds2023FOHEvent.eventbrite.ie
Event 2
Title: Articles, indentures and conveyances: domestic development on the Gardiner estate, Dublin, 1720–1760
Speaker: Dr. Melanie Hayes
Date: 3 October 2023
Time: 18:00-19:00
Venue: Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin 1, D01 EK 82
Booking: https://RegistryofDeeds2023FOHEvent.eventbrite.ie
The Dublin Festival of History runs from 25 September to 15 October 2023. Details of the full program of events are available from the Dublin Festival of History website.
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If you would like to be notified about upcoming events and heritage developments, please download and complete our Mailing List Form and return by email to heritage@tailte.ie.
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