The Artillery Corps (Irish: An Cór Airtléire) is the artillery branch of the Irish Army, part of Ireland’s Defence Forces. Established on 1 October 1924, the corps provides fire support—including field artillery and air‑defence capabilities—to other army units.
Role and Structure
- Primary roles: Field artillery and air defence.
- Organisational components (present):
- Artillery School – located at the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp.
- 1st Brigade Artillery Regiment (1 BAR) – based in Collins Barracks, Cork.
- 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment (2 BAR) – based in Custume Barracks, Athlone.
Historical Development
- During The Emergency (Ireland’s term for World War II, 1939‑1945), the corps was divided into separate Coastal Defence, Field Artillery, and Air Defence regiments.
- In the late 20th century the Coastal Defence component was dissolved and merged with field artillery.
- By 2013 the distinct Air‑Defence regiment ceased to exist as a separate unit; its responsibilities were assumed by the two Brigade Artillery Regiments.
Equipment (selected)
- L118 & L119 105 mm howitzers – main artillery support weapons.
- Brandt 81 mm mortars – infantry‑support mortar system.
- Ruag M87 120 mm heavy mortars.
- Ordnance QF 25‑pounder – retained for ceremonial use.
- RBS‑70 surface‑to‑air missile system.
- Browning .50 calibre HMG (on “cobra” mount).
The Artillery Corps remains an integral component of the Irish Defence Forces, delivering both conventional artillery fire and limited air‑defence capabilities in support of national security and overseas peace‑keeping missions.
