The AAI in its present form was established in 2000, but the history of sports governing bodies in Ireland is complicated because of the partition of the country in 1923.

The IAAF adopted an amendment to its constitution in 1930 which defined member organisations as being contiguous with political entities.

NACA later changed their name to the National Athletic and Cultural Association of Ireland (NACAI).

The IAAU became the Amateur Athletic Union of Eire (AAUE) which represented Ireland at subsequent Olympic games.

In 1987, and with improved north-south relations, BLE and NACAI signed an agreement allowing athletes affiliated to both bodies to represent Ireland.