The Society promotes the study of genealogy, heraldry, vexillology and social history as open access educational leisure activities available to all sectors of the community irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic circumstances, educational  qualification or social, religious or ethnic background. The the Society has a Social Inclusion Policy and the endorses the "Principle of Public Ownership & Right of Access" to our heritage.

Membership is open to all interested in the subjects above. The Society's Archives and Research Centre - An Daonchartlann - is located at the Carlisle Pier, Dún Laoghaire Harbour, Co. Dublin.  The Society also hosts two Open Meetings each month, publishes a monthly newsletter "Ireland's Genealogical Gazette" and an Annual Journal.