While most of the collections are historical there are some documentary collections. Subject matter ranges from topographical views to studio portraits and from political events to early tourist photographs. The Archive maintains an active collecting policy, often by way of generous donations from various sources. In addition to the large collection of negatives in the Archive, there are substantial numbers of loose prints and various smaller collections that include particularly good coverage of events during 1916, the War of Independence and the Civil War, as well as other political and social events in Irish history. The Archive is open to the public Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Admission is free.