How to Make a Will in Ireland — Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Making a will in Ireland is simpler than most people think — but getting it right requires understanding the legal requirements and taking professional advice. This guide covers everything you need to know to make a valid will in Ireland in 2026.

Step 1: Decide What You Want Your Will to Say

Before meeting a solicitor, think through your wishes:

• Who are your beneficiaries? Who do you want to inherit your estate?
• Who is your executor? Who do you trust to administer your estate?
• Do you have minor children? You need to appoint a guardian.
• What assets do you have? Property, bank accounts, pensions, investments, business interests.
• Are there any specific items you want to leave to particular people?
• Are there any charities you wish to benefit?

Step 2: Choose a Solicitor

While you can technically write a will yourself in Ireland, professional advice is strongly recommended. A solicitor ensures:

• Your will is legally valid under the Succession Act 1965
• The wording is clear and unambiguous
• Legal right shares of spouse and children are properly addressed
• Tax implications are considered
• The will is properly executed (signed and witnessed)

Find a Cork wills solicitor: Best Wills Solicitors Cork.

Step 3: Meet Your Solicitor

At the first meeting, your solicitor will take detailed instructions about your assets, family circumstances, and wishes. They will advise you on:

• The legal right share of your spouse/civil partner
• Whether trusts are appropriate
• Inheritance tax planning
• Executor and guardian selection

Step 4: Review and Approve the Draft Will

The solicitor drafts the will and sends it to you for review. Read it carefully and check:

• All names, addresses, and relationship descriptions are correct
• All assets and bequests are correctly described
• The residuary clause covers everything not specifically mentioned
• Executor and guardian appointments are as intended

Step 5: Sign and Witness the Will

This step must be done correctly to make the will valid under Irish law. The requirements:

• You (the testator) sign or acknowledge your signature at the end of the will
• Two witnesses must be present at the same time when you sign
• Both witnesses must sign in your presence immediately after you sign
• Witnesses must not be beneficiaries under the will (their gift fails if they are)
• Witnesses need not read the will or know its contents

Step 6: Store Your Will Safely

Original wills should be stored somewhere safe and accessible. Options:

• Your solicitor's fire-proof will safe (most common)
• A bank safety deposit box
• A fire-proof home safe

Tell your executor where the will is kept. Consider registering with the Law Society's will register or the Irish Probate Office will search service.

Step 7: Review Your Will Regularly

Review your will every 3–5 years or after any major life event: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary or executor, significant change in assets, or moving country. See: Updating Your Will in Ireland.

Key Irish Will Law Facts

• You must be 18 or over (or married/in civil partnership at any age) to make a will in Ireland
• Marriage automatically revokes a previous will in Ireland unless the will was made in contemplation of that specific marriage
• Divorce does not automatically revoke a will — update it immediately after separation or divorce
• A codicil can be used to make minor amendments; major changes require a new will