First held at Harold's Cross in 1928, the event was unofficial until 1932 and called the National Derby.

The first winner in 1928 was Tipperary Hills who won in a time of 30.56 sec at a starting price of 1-1f.

[1] It controversially switched to Shelbourne Park in 1932 and then it was held in alternate years between the two tracks.

The 1969 Irish Greyhound Derby was the last renewal held at Harold's Cross[3] and the competition remained at Shelbourne Park from 1970.

[4] The most successful greyhound has been Spanish Battleship who won the event three times.