On the frontline, home and abroad
The Irish Guards – known affectionately throughout the Army as ‘The Micks’ – is an Irish Regiment which has proven its loyalty and grit on many tough operations. It's soldiers have the privilege of guarding the Royal Family. They recruit from the island of Ireland, United Kingdom and beyond.
FACTS & FIGURES
ACTIVE FROM
1 April 1900
ROLE
Infantry
SPECIALISM
Light Role Infantry
our skills
Soldiers in the Irish Guards are experts in infantry combat: reconnaissance, engaging enemy troops with machine guns and mortars, sniping and more. As part of the Guards Division, they also have a ceremonial role as protectors of the royal palaces.
- Reconnaissance
- Operating machine guns
- Sniping
- Operating mortars
- Tactical communication
- Driving vehicles
- Anti-tank operations
- Guarding royal palaces
On operations in Iraq and South Sudan
2019/20 will see the the Irish Guards deploy on operations in the Middle East and in Africa. Some of the Regiment will be on Operation Shader in Iraq, working alongside the Iraqi Security Forces in the ongoing mission against Daesh. The rest of the Irish Guards will be on Operation Trenton, the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.
Past Deployments:
- Operation Herrick (Afghanistan)
- Operation Telic (Iraq)
- Operation Tosca (Cyprus)
Our People
As the name suggests, many soldiers in the Irish Guards are drawn from Northern Ireland and the Republic – but you don’t need to be Irish to be an Irish Guard. Whether they’re from Belfast or Brixton, all are united by a proud history of loyal service and a sporting heritage.
Cavalry Barracks
The Irish Guards
I enjoy my job, including the challenges it throws at me Connor, 21
Our Role
The Irish Guards – known affectionately throughout the Army as ‘the Micks’ – is an Irish regiment which has proven its loyalty and grit on many tough operations. Its soldiers also have the privilege of guarding royal palaces.
St Patrick’s Day is the traditional celebration of the Irish Guards. On this day each year members of the regiment are presented with fresh shamrock from HRH Prince William.
When they're not deployed on operations the Irish Guards can be found all over the world training and exploring. They can also be found at royal palaces from time to time sporting the famous red tunic and bearskin cap.
Past to Present
The Irish Guards was formed on 1 April 1900 by Queen Victoria in recognition of the many acts of courage and bravery performed by Irish regiments during the Second Boer War. Since then, the regiment has continued to prove its mettle in numerous major conflicts.
Explore our equipment
L129A1 Sharpshooter Rifle
L115A3 Long Range 'Sniper' Rifle
Grenade Machine Gun
Heavy Machine Gun
Location
1st Battalion Irish Guards
Cavalry Barracks
Hounslow
London
TW46HD