28 April – Work began on the Cork–Dublin natural gas pipeline.
2 May – The Government affirmed its neutrality in the Falklands war between the United Kingdom and Argentina, and opposed European Economic Community sanctions against Argentina (as did Italy).
6 October – Taoiseach Charles Haughey won a majority of 58 votes to 22 in an open ballot on Charlie McCreevy's motion of no confidence in his leadership.
15 October – Cork Airport celebrated its 21st birthday. The airport had yet to make a profit.
27 October – Pte Michael McAleavey, an Irish Army soldier on service with UNIFIL in South Lebanon, murdered three of his colleagues: Pte Peter Burke, Pte Thomas Murphy, and Cpl Gary Morrow.[2]
1 November - A newly-designed £50 note was launched featuring a portrait of musician Turlough O'Carolan.
The Ireland rugby team won the Triple Crown Ireland for the first time since 1949 by beating Scotland 21–12 on 21 February, having already beaten Wales and England.