The Irish Courts have begun the new legal year with a major ceremony at the Four Courts, while several Dublin court services are also changing this week. The updates include the reopening of Cloverhill Courthouse, the return of sittings to Dún Laoghaire and temporary arrangements affecting family law and personal insolvency matters.
Irish Courts mark opening of legal year 2026
A ceremony marking the opening of the legal year 2026 took place at 11am in the Round Hall of the Four Courts. The event featured addresses from Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court; the Chief Justice of Ireland, the Hon. Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell; and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, Chairperson of the Courts Service.
The annual ceremony formally marks the start of the new legal year and brings together senior members of the judiciary and the wider legal profession. The Courts Service is the primary source for official information on court sittings, court facilities and operational notices.
Dublin court updates for users and legal practitioners
Family law listings at Dolphin House
Several District Court Family Law sittings at Dolphin House were cancelled on 5 October 2026. Courts 40 and 49 were unable to sit, while the office remained open and continued to prioritise Domestic Violence applications.
Court users should check directly with the relevant office before attending and seek urgent guidance where a domestic violence matter is involved. Official notices from the Courts Service should take precedence over unofficial online information.
Cloverhill and Dún Laoghaire reopen
Cloverhill District Court Office is scheduled to reopen on Monday, 5 October, following essential maintenance works. Dún Laoghaire District Court is also due to return to its courthouse from the same date after essential roof repairs were completed.
The changes are intended to restore normal local access for court users and legal professionals. However, anyone attending should confirm the relevant list, time and venue in advance, as court arrangements can change at short notice.
Four Courts works and remote insolvency call-over
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is carrying out accessibility and fire improvement works at the Four Courts. An update was issued for practitioners and court users returning to the Gandon Building on 2 October.
Separate arrangements were announced for Dublin Circuit Court personal insolvency matters. A remote call-over was scheduled for 5 October after the 10.30am list for matters listed for hearing on 13 and 14 October. Practitioners should follow the instructions issued by the Courts Service regarding remote participation.
Irish Courts podcast returns
The Irish Courts Podcast is returning with a third series in October. Five new episodes are planned, with releases every fortnight from Monday, 12 October 2026. The series offers another way for the public and legal professionals to follow discussions connected with Ireland’s justice system.
What court users should do
- Check the latest Courts Service notice before travelling to a courthouse.
- Confirm whether a hearing is in person, cancelled or being managed remotely.
- Contact the relevant court office about urgent family law or domestic violence matters.
- Allow extra time where building works or access changes are in progress.
The Department of Justice, the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána each have distinct roles in Ireland’s justice system, so users should contact the appropriate body for specific assistance. Legal advice should be obtained from a qualified solicitor or the Legal Aid Board where applicable.
These developments underline the importance of checking official notices before attending court. From the opening of the legal year to the return of local sittings, the latest Irish Courts updates provide practical information for practitioners, families and other court users.
Article/Image Courtesy: Courts Service
