Since 1928, when the Commission was established by the Irish Government, scholarship and learning have expanded beyond anything that could have been conceived at the time. The Commission has played a significant role in this process by publishing to the highest scholarly standard, editions, calendars and lists of primary materials.

The Irish Manuscripts Commission is committed to promoting public awareness of primary source materials and their importance for the history, heritage and culture of Ireland. The experience gained by the Commission over the years makes it especially suited to advise on policy towards preserving and making accessible sources of our past. Through its publication programme, the Commission can bring these sources to the widest possible readership within Ireland and worldwide.