There are a number of special collections within this archive. Most, if not all, would have material relating to women. Some of these special collections include:

Brendan Breathnach Collection, the archive's foundation collection, containing sound recordings, music manuscripts, printed items, a thematic index of dance tunes, and personal papers

Hugh Shields Collection, sound recordings made chiefly across Ulster, 1966 to 1981

Diane Hamilton Collection, sound recordings made throughout Ireland, 1955 to 1962

Nellie Walsh Collection, music manuscripts, sheet music and books, correspondence. Walsh, a Wexford singer, was also a columnist with 'Ireland's Own'. Material covers 1950s to the 1990s

• Correspondence Search Repository Site
• Culture Search Repository Site
• Letters Search Repository Site
• Music Search Repository Site