Skip the NI Direct Bar

Download Adobe Reader

Organising a group visit

Translink bus Reading Room PRONI sign
PRONI welcomes group visits. We have hosted various groups in the past, including:
  • Family and local history societies
  • Church groups
  • University and college groups
  • School groups and many more

What does PRONI offer for groups?

We offer the following options for visiting groups.  You may pick one or a combination of more than one of the options below that are most relevant to your group:

1. Introductory talks

PRONI offers talks in the following areas, illustrated with examples of archival documents:
  • Major Sources in PRONI
  • Tracing Your Family Tree at PRONI
  • Local History Sources in PRONI
  • Online PRONI Resources
  • Major Research Strengths
  • in-depth studies of particular types of archive and how to use them
Due to demand, we ask that you give us at least 4 weeks notice for an introductory talk.
We can also provide tailor made workshops if there is a specific area you are interested in.  Feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements further.

2. Tour of research facilities

The tour of our research facilities gives an introduction of the services we provide and what is available onsite.  It allows you to become familiar with the catalogues and find out how to order a document. Tours last around 40 minutes.
Due to demand, we ask you give us at least two weeks notice when booking a group tour.

3. Tour of the Exhibitions

You may like a guided tour of our onsite exhibition.  This tour can also be combined with other activities onsite.

Where are the talks/lectures held?

All our talks are delivered in the lecture room at PRONI, which accommodates 100 people and is located on the ground floor.  A number of specialist lectures are also delivered by PRONI staff and guest speakers in conjunction with other local organisations, please see our Talks and Events-What's On.
Groups wishing to attend the talks and events should book as early as possible as places may be limited.  To book, please Contact PRONI

What information does PRONI require in advance?

The following information is required to book a group visit:
  • Name, telephone number and/or email address of the organizer.
  • The number in your group.
  • How long you want your visit to last.
  • Whether your group want a talk only, or a talk and tour.
  • If any of your party have a disability or have special needs.
  • Whether your group intend to do some research as well as a talk/tour.
The following information is needed to book a school visit:
  • the number of pupils and teachers/supervisors who will be attending
  • a list of names of pupils and teachers (in the event of an evacuation of the building)
  • Key Stage of pupils
  • the topic or period in history in which you are interested
  • How long you want your visit to last
  • if there are any pupils with special needs

What happens when I arrive?


When you arrive at the reception area you will be shown to the lecture theatre, exhibition area or meet your onsite guide, depending on what option you have chosen.
In the case of visiting schools, it may sometimes be necessary to split the class into 2 groups and we require a teacher or supervisor to be with each group during the whole visit.
If you want to use the research facilities at PRONI following the talk or event or at some time in the future, you must register as a visitor.  Registration is free but you will need photographic ID to receive your visitor pass, you can do this when you first arrive or after the talk/event.
If a group want to register as visitors then we can send out registration forms prior to your visit – please contact PRONI in advance.  Registration forms should be completed before you arrive - this will greatly speed up the process at reception.

Security – dos and don'ts

  • All visitors are asked to place their belongings (other than pencils and notebooks) in a locker.
  • You must refrain from using mobile phones or digital cameras whilst on the premises.
  • Eating or drinking (other than in the PRONI cafe) is forbidden (except for medication required for emergency use).
  • We ask that during tours of the facilities you are as quiet as possible to minimise disruption to other visitors
  • We urge you to treat the irreplaceable archives in our custody with extreme care.
For further details, see dos and dont's.