The Association has its origins in the establishment of Baptist churches in Cork (1640), Dublin (1642) and Waterford (1650).

However, desire for independence caused the Irish Baptists to follow their own path and they set up the Union in 1895.

[4] The first Assembly meeting of the newly formed Union took place in May 1895 in Mountpottinger Baptist Church, Belfast with 27 churches present with two more being added to the membership in that meeting.

[5] According to a census published by the association in 2023, it claimed 118 churches and 8,500 members.

By means of the Orphan Society, Annuity Fund and Baptist Aid provides support for those in need.