Want to learn more about how our Parliament works and its history and buildings? Discover the origins of the Oireachtas, what it does and how Members are elected. You can also explore the buildings and find out how to arrange a visit to the Oireachtas.
Senators Alice Stopford Green and Eileen Costello arriving at Leinster House, 11 December 1922 / Bibliothèque Nationale de France
Seanad100
In 2022 we mark the centenary of Seanad Éireann, the Upper House of Ireland's Parliament. The Seanad held its first public sitting on 11 December 1922 in Leinster House.
History and buildings
Discover the history of Parliament in Ireland, from its very beginnings. Find out about the buildings and the collection of historical documents. Get the latest updates on the restoration of Georgian Leinster House.
Visit the Oireachtas
Due to Covid-19, only those on official Oireachtas business may visit the Leinster House complex. Tours and other non-essential visits to Leinster House are cancelled until further notice, but you can get a peek inside with our 3D virtual tour.
How Parliament works
The Oireachtas is the only body that has the power to make laws for Ireland. Find out how the Oireachtas makes these laws, what else it does, how its Members are elected and the rules it has to keep.
Teachers and students
Learning or teaching about Ireland’s Parliament? Our educational videos and lesson plans can help you get started.
Centenaries
Find out about how we celebrated our recent centenaries, Dáil100 and Vótáil100, as part of the Decade of Centenaries.
Glossary
Do you know your Order Papers from your Standing Orders? Decode parliamentary jargon with our A to Z guide.
Booklet
Know your Parliament
Confused by parliamentary jargon? Find out everything you need to know about the Oireachtas in our Brief Guide to How Your Parliament Works.