While horse-mounted policing in Ireland dates back to the 18th-century Royal Irish Constabulary, the modern Garda Mounted Unit has a more complex lineage. Following Irish independence in 1922, the newly formed Garda Síochána initially abandoned mounted patrols, partly as a symbolic break from colonial policing methods.
However, pragmatism eventually prevailed over politics. By the mid-1930s, the practical benefits of mounted officers for crowd control and patrolling rural areas led to the experimental reintroduction of horses in limited capacities.

The story of detective policing in Ireland begins before the establishment of An Garda Síochána. During British rule, the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) established its own detective unit in 1842, known as the ‘G Division’. This specialist unit was responsible for political surveillance and criminal investigation in the capital.

As a historian with a deep interest in Ireland’s police force, I’ve spent decades studying how An Garda Síochána has evolved since its formation. Today, I’d like to take you through this fascinating journey of Ireland’s unique approach to policing.

When the Civic Guards (later renamed An Garda Síochána) first took to Irish streets in 1922, the sight of officers pedalling through communities on bicycles became an iconic image of the new Irish Free State. Today, as modern Garda patrol cars equipped with the latest technology race to crime scenes, it’s worth reflecting on this remarkable journey of transformation in Garda transportation over the past century.

The Scott Medal stands as Ireland’s highest honour for police bravery, a symbol of the exceptional courage displayed by members of An Garda Síochána in the line of duty. As we explore the history of this prestigious award and the remarkable stories behind it, we gain insight into the extraordinary sacrifices made by the guardians of our nation’s peace.

When the first members of An Garda Síochána took to the streets in 1922 following the establishment of the Irish Free State, they represented not just a new police force, but a visual break from the Royal Irish Constabulary that had preceded them. Over the century that followed, the iconic Garda uniform would undergo numerous transformations, each reflecting changing times, technologies, and the evolving role of policing in Irish society.

Dublin Castle stands as one of Ireland’s most significant historical landmarks, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of Irish history. Since the formation of An Garda Síochána in 1922, it has served as the administrative headquarters of Ireland’s national police service, becoming the beating heart of Irish policing operations.

The Garda Síochána played a pivotal role during “The Emergency” – Ireland’s term for World War II – when the country maintained a precarious neutrality amidst global conflict. As both an enforcer of neutrality and a security force during uncertain times, the Garda’s responsibilities expanded dramatically during this period.

As a dedicated researcher and storyteller, I am committed to preserving and documenting the rich heritage of Ireland’s national police force.