The Royal Irish Regiment is necessarily tough and uncompromising in battle, yet we can switch from ferocity to compassion in an instant.
While we welcome people from around the world, we proudly maintain a uniquely Irish character. We are more than soldiers; we are family, supporting one another from cradle to grave. This deep sense of kinship, rooted in Irish culture, gives us the strength and resilience to face any challenge, whether in peace or war, at home or abroad.
We draw inspiration from our history, upholding the legacy of centuries of Irish service in the British Army. This rich heritage is proudly reflected in our Irish Ranger identity as we embrace the future with determination, clearing the way for others to follow and building upon our success.
Apply nowActive from
1 July 1992
Role
Light Recce Strike
Specialism
Close combat
We are committed to developing and maximising your potential through world-class training and opportunities. By joining The Royal Irish Regiment, you will gain invaluable experience and build essential skills that will equip you to operate in complex and challenging environments.
You could specialise in a variety of roles, including:
- Reconnaissance
- Sniper
- Machine Gunner
- Mortar Operator
- Anti-Tank Operator
- Vehicle Driver or Commander
- Combat Communications Specialist
- Assault Pioneer
- Physical Training Instructor
- Intelligence Specialist
- Combat Medic Technician
- Bugles, Pipes, and Drums
Each role offers unique challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Previous deployments:
- Operation Interflex - UK 2023-2024
- Operation Newcombe - Mali 2022
- Operation Detelina - Bulgaria 2022
- Operation Corded - Kenya and Zambia 2021
- Operation Tosca - Cyprus 2020
- Operation Rescript - UK 2020-2021
- Operation Toral – Afghanistan 2017-2019
- Operation Herrick – Afghanistan 2006-2011
Other deployments and exercises:
Beyond these operations, The Royal Irish has also been deployed to the USA, Canada Fiji, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Kenya, Norway, Romania, Estonia, Germany and France in recent years.
Our strength lies in our people, from our youngest cadets to our serving soldiers and oldest veterans. We invest in each individual, enabling everyone to fulfil their potential and mentor those around them. Our people are active, ruthlessly professional, and highly skilled. Our commanders are chosen for their emotional intelligence and ability to sustain strong bonds with their soldiers.
Together, we celebrate our diverse backgrounds and honour the proud traditions that define our Regiment, ensuring our legacy continues for generations to come.
Our Regimental Headquarters, located in Belfast City Centre, is the focal point for the Regiment and its battalions.
The 1st (Regular) Battalion is stationed at Clive Barracks, Shropshire, England.
The 2nd (Reserve) Battalion Headquarters is based in Lisburn, Co. Antrim. Our Reserve Company and Platoon bases are located in Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownards, Newtownabbey, Ballymena, Portadown, Enniskillen, and Limavady.
-
1st Battalion
Clive Barracks, Tern Hill, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 3QE 01630 698 280
-
2nd Battalion
Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn. BFPO 801 02892 262 826
To find out more about joining the Royal Irish Regiment, click the link below.
Find out more
Explore our Equipment
The GMG is usually mounted on WMIK Land Rovers but can also be used from ground-based tripods.
They are designed to achieve a first-round hit at 600 metres and harassing fire out to 1,100 metres.
Foxhound has a top speed of 112 kph but can still protect against improvised explosive devices thanks to its v-shaped hull.
The Javelin anti-tank weapon and the Next-generation light anti-tank weapon.
On its introduction, it proved so accurate that the Army marksmanship tests had to be redesigned.