The tradition of organised policing in Ireland can be traced back to the establishment of the County Constabulary in 1822 - this was a uniformed police force formed on a regional basis.

In 1836 the Irish Constabulary (later to be known as the Royal Irish Constabulary) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police were established to replace the County Constabulary. In 1922 the Royal Irish Constabulary was disbanded on the foundation of the new Irish Free State, as this country was then called, and the Garda Síochána was formed.

In 1925, the Dublin Metropolitan Police was amalgamated with the Garda Síochána.

Today, the Garda Síochána (meaning in English: "The Guardians of the Peace") as the national police service, exercises all police functions in the country. It provides the State security services and all criminal and traffic law enforcement functions are performed by it.