Abstract Geological Survey Ireland is a division of a government department and has typical origins as a geological survey founded to map the nation's natural resources. In recent years it has changed focus from more traditional geological mapping activities and methods to carrying out major projects of national societal value using, and developing, the latest technology. Programmes include one of the world's largest seabed surveys INFOMAR, a national groundwater mapping and protection programme, and modern geophysical and geochemical mapping under its Tellus programme. In addition the Survey has developed a successful geoscience research programme and a business cluster, Geoscience Ireland. By focusing on stakeholder engagement, effective communication of the value of geoscience and maintaining scientific rigour, geological surveys can be as relevant today as when they were founded.