Find a Notary Public by County
Notarial Services
Document authentication, certified copies, sworn affidavits, powers of attorney for international use.
Apostille Ireland
Hague Convention apostille certificates through the Department of Foreign Affairs. Accepted in 120+ countries.
Immigration Documents
Visa applications, passport certifications, birth certificates, marriage certificates for immigration use.
Property Abroad
Buying or selling property in Spain, Portugal, France or elsewhere? Your Irish notary handles the documentation.
Business Documents
Company resolutions, shareholder agreements, directors' certificates, powers of attorney for international business.
How It Works
Step-by-step guide to getting documents notarised in Ireland — what to bring, what to expect, and what it costs.
What Is a Notary Public in Ireland?
A notary public in Ireland is a senior solicitor appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland under the Solicitors Act. There are approximately 50 practising notaries in Ireland, concentrated in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and other major cities. Notaries are members of the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland and the Notarial Associations in their provinces.
The primary function of an Irish notary public is to authenticate documents for use abroad. When a foreign government, court, bank, or institution requires an Irish document to be officially verified, it needs the seal and signature of an Irish notary public. This is different from ordinary witnessing by a solicitor — a notarised document carries international legal authority.
What Documents Can a Notary Public in Ireland Authenticate?
- Passports and national identity documents (certified copies)
- Birth, marriage, death and adoption certificates
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Company incorporation documents, memoranda and articles
- Powers of attorney for use abroad
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- Property title documents for foreign conveyancing
- Visa and immigration application documents
- Wills and succession documents for foreign courts
- Bank and financial institution required documents
Notary Public Fees in Ireland
Notary public fees in Ireland are set by each notary individually — they are not regulated by the Law Society. A standard notarial act (certifying one document, one signature) typically costs between €60 and €150. Multiple documents, apostille arrangements, or complex matters are typically €100–€400. Some notaries charge a consultation fee separately.
Always confirm fees before your appointment. Ask specifically whether the quoted fee includes the apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs (typically €10–€40 per document) and any courier or translation costs if required by the destination country.
Notary Public vs Solicitor in Ireland — What's the Difference?
All notaries in Ireland are solicitors, but not all solicitors are notaries. A solicitor can witness a signature and prepare most domestic Irish legal documents. A notary public has the additional authority to certify documents for international use — their seal and signature are recognised in over 120 countries. If you need a document accepted by a foreign authority, you need a notary, not just a solicitor.
How to Find a Notary Public in Ireland
Use Legal Index Ireland to find a notary public in your county. The Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland also maintains a register at notarypublic.ie. When searching for a notary, note that availability varies significantly — there are fewer notaries than solicitors, and appointments may need to be booked in advance.