1841 - The first major census, using a household form, was the so-called Great Census of 1841.
1911 - Censuses were subsequently taken at 10 year intervals up to 1911.
1926 - The first census following the formation of the State was undertaken in 1926.
1936-46 - This was followed by censuses in 1936 and 1946.
1951 - Commencing with 1951, censuses have been undertaken at five yearly intervals.
1976 - The census planned for 1976 was cancelled at a late stage as a Government economy measure.
1979 - However, the need for up-to-date population figures resulted in a census being specially undertaken in 1979 with a restricted number of questions.
1981 - This was followed by a full census in 1981. Two censuses 24 months apart should merit a mention for Ireland in the Guinness Book of Records!
2001/2002 - The census was originally due to take place during April 2001. However it was postponed until 2002 due to the foot and mouth disease situation at that time.
2006 - The most recent census was carried out on Sunday 23 April 2006.
