See also: 1975 in Ireland, 1977 in Ireland and the list of 'years in Ireland'.

Events

• January 5 - Former Taoiseach, John A. Costello, dies in Dublin aged 84.
• March 18 - An Taoiseach and Mrs Cosgrave are greeted by President and Mrs Ford at the White House.
• April 3 - The last passenger train runs on the Limerick-Claremorris line ending an 80-year-north-south link along the western seaboard.
• May 17 - The boat Brendan sets off from Dingle to America. It is to trace the route of the legendary sixth century Irish monk.
• July 15 - Four prisoners escape when bombs explode in the Special Criminal Court, Dublin.
• July 21 - Christopher Ewart-Biggs, UK ambassador, and a civil servant, Judith Cooke, are killed by a landmine at Sandyford, Co. Dublin.
• September 23 - The President, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, consults withe the Council of State for four hours on whether to refer the Emergency Powers legislation to the Supreme Court.
• October 22 - President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh resigns following the 'thundering disgrace' remark from the Minister for Defence, Paddy Donegan.
• October 27 - A new £5 note is introduced with the image of the 9th-Century philosopher Johannes Scotus Eriugena.
• November 20 - National Peace Day is marked with marches, church services and bell ringing.
• December 3 - Dr. Patrick Hillery is inaugurated as the sixth President of Ireland in St. Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle.

Arts and literature

• John Banville's novel Dr Copernicus is published.
• The monthly journal Books Ireland is founded.

Sports

Births

• March 17 - Stephen Gately, singer and actor.
• April 20 - Shay Given, football goalkeeper.
• May 31 - Colin Farrell, actor.

Deaths

• January 5 - John A. Costello, former Taoiseach and Attorney General.
• February 2 - Gardner Budd, lawyer.
• July 11 - Michael Hayes, former Ceann Comhairle and Cabinet Minister.
• October 31 - Eileen Gray, architect and designer.
• November 2 - Walter Starkie, author.