IRISH INFANTRY, THE SHARP POINT OF THE BAYONET
Built with fighting spirit, tradition, and Irish character, we are the only Irish Infantry Regiment of the line in the British Army. We recruit people of the right quality and calibre right across the island of Ireland, all parts of the UK, and beyond.
FACTS & FIGURES
ACTIVE FROM
1 July 1992
ROLE
Light Infantry
SPECIALISM
Close combat
our skills
Light role infantry soldiers of the Royal Irish are expert in dismounted close combat using specialist infantry weapons, weapon mount Landrover and Foxhound vehicles.
- Superb fitness
- Determination and focus in and out of combat
- Teamwork and camaraderie
- Expert marksmanship and weapon handling
- Initiative and intuition
- Navigation and orienteering
- All-terrain driving
Training for operations
Both battalions are stationed at home preparing for operational deployment in 2019.
Previous deployments:
- Op Toral – Afghanistan 2017
- Op Herrick – Afghanistan 2011
Our People
Our people come from all communities, from all the counties of the island of Ireland, as well as from further afield. We do things differently to other people and other regiments because we are Royal Irish.
Our Location
RHQ – PALACE BARRACKS, HOLYWOOD, BELFAST
Our Regimental Headquarters based in Holywood at Palace Barracks is the focal home for the Regiment and our battalions.
The 1st (Regular) Battalion is based in England at Clive Barracks, Shropshire and the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion headquarters is in Lisburn, Co Antrim.
Our Reserve Company and Platoon bases are in Belfast, Enniskillen, Portadown, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Ballymena.
RHQ – PALACE BARRACKS, HOLYWOOD, BELFAST
The Royal Irish Regiment
The craic is awesome! Ranger Regan O'Reilly, 22
Our Role
The infantry is the backbone of the Army, taking on some of the most dangerous and physical work, close to or on the front line.
If the Army is a spear light role infantry is the very point of that spear with every other part of the Army supporting it as it drives into the enemy.
Infantry soldiers are highly sought after and extremely important. Our diverse training and skill-set mean we can be employed in front line, aggressive actions, but are also just as likely to be involved in humanitarian and peacekeeping work around the world.
Through the years
Our history stretches from the 1688 to the campaigns of the 21st Century. The Royal Irish Regiment epitomises the Irish character of courageous and willing service. The Regiment has a rich and complex story inextricably woven into the history of Ireland itself.
Our Locations
-
1st Battalion
Clive Barracks, Tern Hill, Market Drayton, SHROPSHIRE. TF9 3QE 01630698280
-
2nd Battalion
Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn. BFPO 801 02892262826
Royal Irish weapons and vehicles
Explore our equipment
Grenade Machine Gun
L115A3 Long Range 'Sniper' Rifle
Foxhound
Guided Weapons
SA80 Individual Weapon
Recruiting
Stay connected
Follow us on social media
https://instagram.com/royal.irish www.facebook.com/theroyalirishregiment
